Slashing ABS visitor accommodation statistics slashes Victoria’s tourism growth potential

 

SLASHING the long-running Survey of Tourist Accommodation statistics program has diminished the state’s tourism growth potential, says the Victoria Tourism Industry Council (VTIC).

“This data is a vital business resource and without it we will not be able to gauge how accommodation businesses are performing. This will severely hamper the industry’s ability to learn, grow and realise its potential,” says VTIC Chief Executive Dianne Smith.

Ms Smith’s comments come as the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) announces the abolition of its Survey of Tourist Accommodation program, which has provided crucial data to the tourism sector for more than 30 years.

“The data provided over three decades has been essential in informing policy and operational decisions across the tourism industry, as well as for building effective business cases for potential investors, both in the accommodation industry and the tourism sector more broadly,” says Ms Smith.

“In partnership with the Accommodation Association of Australia, we call for the reinstatement of this crucial program.

“We strongly urge Minister Robb and the Parliamentary Secretary to the Treasurer, Steven Ciobo, to address this situation which will significantly affect this vital industry.”

The Victoria Tourism Industry Council (VTIC) is the peak body for Victoria’s tourism and events industry, providing one united industry voice. Tourism and events are growth industries for Victoria and contribute $19.6 billion to the state economy each year and employ more than 200,000 people.

vtic.com.au 

ENDS