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Category: Government and Politics / States and Territories / Travel and Tourism / Trade

ACT to spend millions to attract international visitors

Tuesday, 24 May 2016 08:20:13

Tourist admires the view of Canberra from the Mount Ainslie lookout during a hot day on January 3, 2012. (ABC News: Kathleen Dyett)

The ACT Government will inject millions of dollars into the tourism sector to entice more international tourists to the capital.

Key points:

  • $7.3 million to promote Canberra in overseas and domestic markets
  • $1.5 million to support arts and community events
  • Security upgrade to the Canberra Theatre Centre

A total of $7.3 million has been allocated in next month's budget to promote Canberra in key overseas markets including Singapore, New Zealand and Malaysia.

Domestic markets of Sydney and regional New South Wales will also be targeted.

Chief Minister Andrew Barr said it wanted to diversify the economy and create jobs outside of the public service.

"The lower Australian dollar is certainly helping higher education, tourism and service exports," he said.

"It really represents where our city's economic growth is going to come from, where the new jobs are going to come from in Canberra the next five years in particular."

Mr Barr said the Government wanted to capitalise on the economic benefits of direct flights to Singapore and Wellington, set to start in September.

"Direct flights certainly assist our universities to attract students to Canberra," he said.

Business tourism tipped to grow

Mr Barr said business tourism, particularly with New Zealand, was another area tipped to grow.

"We're forging a much stronger relationship with Wellington," he said.

"They've passed an in principle resolution at the Wellington City Council to form a sister city relationship with Canberra. I'll take a similar resolution to the Legislative Assembly next month."

Cheaper flights on the domestic market was also an area of focus.

"Our aviation agenda also includes engagement with low cost airlines particularly Jetstar and Tiger wanting to encourage more affordable flights into and out of Canberra," Mr Barr said.

The 2016/17 budget has also included $1.5 million to support the arts and community events including Enlighten and Canberra Day.

The Canberra Theatre Centre will receive $410,000 to upgrade its security and $50,000 to stage a major show.

AustraliaPlus


 

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