Media Releases

Federal Member for Macquarie, Louise Markus MP expressed concern for Blue Mountains tourism in response to the release of the Federal Labor Government’s Mid Year Economic and Fiscal Outlook (MYEFO).

 

“The Mid Year Economic Fiscal Outlook released this week by Treasurer Wayne Swan shows a bleak future for tourism in this country,” said Mrs Markus.

 

“Given Mr Swan acknowledged enduring global economic turbulence, meaning consumer confidence is at an all time low, this Labor Government is doing nothing to ease pressure on the tourism sector.

 

“In fact, this Labor Government has increased the costs of visas and significantly cut its tourism budget allocation, meanwhile allocating over $100million to advertising its controversial Carbon Tax.

 

“None of this is conducive to a positive growth in tourism in the Blue Mountains.”

 

Mrs Markus attended the Blue Mountains Lithgow and Oberon Tourism Annual General Meeting this week.

 

“The Blue Mountains attracts thousands of international visitors a year, but with our high Australian Dollar and an increase in visa and landing costs, that number could significantly drop.

 

“This will not only affect tourism operators, but also hotels, restaurants, retail and entertainment venues in the Blue Mountains.

 

“Not to mention domestic travel in the past 12 months has decreased rapidly; more Australians are choosing to take less holidays throughout the year to save up for international travel.

 

“The Gillard Government’s annual investment in Tourism Australia has been cut by $16.2 million – a real kick in the teeth for an industry doing it tough.

 

“This Labor Government does not understand the impact these cuts have on the Blue Mountains, a region being ignored by Gillard and her team.”