Tourism body had enough of Qantas dispute

We’re sorry, this feature is currently unavailable. We’re working to restore it. Please try again later.

Advertisement

This was published 12 years ago

Tourism body had enough of Qantas dispute

The Tourism & Transport Forum (TTF) is calling on the federal government to intervene immediately to overturn the grounding of the Qantas fleet.

TTF Chief Executive John Lee said the tourism industry simply cannot afford for this industrial campaign to continue.

"Enough is enough," Mr Lee said in a statement today.

Loading

"This will have an immediate and potentially catastrophic impact on tourism operators and will threaten the viability of tourism businesses across the country.

"This issue must be resolved urgently and that will need leadership from the highest levels.

"We believe it is now time for the Prime Minister to use the national interest provision under the Fair Work Act and ensure arbitration begins as soon as possible."

Mr Lee said the industrial campaign had already affected tourism, reducing consumer confidence and making people less likely to travel.

"While some people have deferred their travel plans, others have decided its too difficult, and we are already seeing a drop off in forward bookings which will now only get worse," Mr Lee said.

He said this year alone, Australia's tourism industry has had to contend with natural disasters both at home and abroad, a strong Australian dollar enticing more Australians to travel overseas and reducing the buying power of international visitors, and weak economic conditions reducing demand from many of our key source markets.

Advertisement

"Now we are facing the uncertainty of this decision, forced by the unwillingness of unions to accept the globally competitive nature of tourism and aviation," he said.

"The 500,000 people directly employed in Australia's $94 billion tourism industry do not deserve to have their livelihoods threatened by this, which could be the straw that breaks the camel's back."

AAP

Sign up for the Traveller newsletter

The latest travel news, tips and inspiration delivered to your inbox. Sign up now.

Most viewed on Traveller

Loading