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Liberal Party promises alcoholic beverages boost

boost

Australia’s wineries, breweries and distilleries will bring in more tourists as part of a $20 million boost from the federal government for new infrastructure and events. 

“We’re opening Australia’s cellar doors to the world for more of our wine, spirit and craft beer producers,” Prime Minister Scott Morrison said. “A strong tourism industry means a strong economy. Tourism is key to our plan and this funding will help bring in more tourists to local businesses, meaning more people touring our breweries and wineries, more people buying products and ultimately businesses employing more people. 

“There are huge opportunities for our wineries and distilleries to take advantage of the planeloads of tourists looking for a new experience as we emerge from COVID lockdowns.” 

The Liberal Party aims to invest $15 million in the wine, spirits and craft breweries sector if re-elected, providing up to $100,000 in matched funding for small to medium-sized wineries, distilleries and beer producers for the construction or upgrade of cellar door or tourism-associated facilities (excluding accommodation), such as restaurants, tour facilities and viewing platforms. 

An additional $5 million will be provided through the Wine, Spirits and Craft Breweries Tourism Events program to provide up to $100,000 to tourism and local government organisations to create new events and experiences to attract tourists and showcase wineries, distilleries and craft beer makers. 

The overarching plan is to grow the total value of the visitor economy to $230 billion by 2030, including $100 billion for regional Australia, supporting more jobs and opportunities. 

“A strong economy means our government can cut taxes for tourism operators while investing more in promoting our country, building the infrastructure that improves the visitor experience and protecting the environment that helps drive tourist demand,” minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment Dan Tehan said. 

“Our long-term plan to grow and strengthen the tourism sector puts modernisation, diversification and collaboration at its core. More than 60 per cent of distilleries are in rural and regional Australia and Australian wineries spread across 65 regions, so these programs will support regional Australia to diversify their tourism offerings, which is a key plank of our long-term tourism strategy.” 

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