80072

As the Federal Election draws near, David Anderson, Chief Executive of Big Red Group - Australia’s largest experience marketplace - has spotlighted a glaring gap in the national policy agenda - regional tourism.

According to Tourism Research Australia's 2023–24 Tourism Investment Monitor, despite supporting over 100,000 businesses and employing 6.7% of Australia’s non-metro workforce, regional tourism operators - who are already facing challenges with connectivity, low-visitation and rising costs - continue to be overlooked in key funding and infrastructure decisions.

Anderson believes the lack of focus on long-term investment in regional tourism is a critical oversight and urges the calling on the incoming federal government to move beyond short-term programs and deliver a robust, long-term strategy that prioritises access, infrastructure, and workforce development in order to help safeguard this essential industry.

Anderson notes "Regional tourism is undoubtedly a cornerstone of Australia’s economy and our nation. Yet, growth is stifled by infrastructure gaps and limited accessibility. Short-term funding and event-based initiatives aren’t enough to tackle these deep-rooted challenges. The next Federal Government must stand and deliver on tackling such obstacles - they can do so by creating a long-term, strategic plan that addresses the unique needs of the industry and positions these regional areas for sustainable growth.

“According to the Tourism Investment Monitor 2023-24 report, investment in regional tourism has decreased or stagnated, while investment in capital cities has increased across the majority of our states and territories. This further suggests that Australia's tourism policy leans toward prioritising metropolitan hubs, owing to these more central destinations attracting higher proportions of international and domestic visitors. Yet, regional areas often lack the same level of investment in infrastructure, severely impacting their ability to draw in visitors to more regional destinations.

“A key issue is a lack of affordable transport options, coupled with rising airfares, making it harder for tourists to reach regional destinations, ultimately impacting local businesses and communities who rely on such spending. We urge for greater investment in improving flight connectivity with subsidies for regional routes or partnerships with airlines. Such initiatives could help tackle affordability issues, enabling more travellers to explore the beauty and diversity of regional Australia.

“But connectivity alone isn’t enough. To future-proof regional tourism, we must also invest in core infrastructure and workforce development to support inbound travel. Roads, digital connectivity, accommodation, and upskilling labour forces are just as essential in order for operators to continue doing what they do best - delivering uniquely Australian experiences.

“For regional tourism to truly thrive, we ask for government commitment to sustained, long-term investments - not just in projects, but in people, places, and long-term planning. With the right commitment, regional Australia cannot drive the country’s tourism growth.”

Access the Tourism Investment Monitor 2023-24 report

Image top. Big Red Group Chief Executive David Anderon. Credit: Big Red Group Image below. Cover of Tourism Investment Monitor 2023-24 report. Credit: Tourism Research Australia

Related Articles

24th March 2025 - Big Red Group report reveals Australia’s tourism and experiences industry finding its stride again

11th March 2025 - Big Red Group calls for support to help tourism and experience operators recover from ex-Cyclone Alfred

3rd October 2024 - Big Red Group partners with Welcome to Country to enhance indigenous experience access

3rd September 2024 - Big Red Group report highlights resilience of Australia’s tourism and experiences industry

16th July 2024 - Big Red Group data shows 200% increase in demand for wellness tourism

26th June 2024 - Big Red Group appoints new Head of Brand and Marketing

27th May 2024 - Big Red Group encourages tourism operators to connect with Gen Z via TikTok

6th May 2024 - Big Red Group announced as major sponsor for 2024 Global Sustainable Tourism Summit 

5th April 2024 - Big Red Group completes acquisition of Experience Oz North Queensland

28th February 2024 - Big Red Group’s new report identifies emerging and optimistic trends for Australia’s tourism and experience industry

26th April 2023 - Big Red Group and Ecotourism Australia partner to help experience operators achieve sustainability

---

Support our industry news service
We hope that you value the news that we publish so while you're here can we ask for your support?

As an independent publisher, we need reader support for our industry news gathering so ask that - if you don't already do so - you back us by subscribing to the printed Australasian Leisure Management magazine and/or our online news.

Click here to view our subscription options.