Mid-north coast travel agents can now apply for a one-off payment of up to $100,000 through the second round of the COVID-19 Consumer Travel Support Program.

Applications are now open for this additional $130 million support for the travel industry, bringing the total direct support for travel agents to $258 million.

Member for Cowper, Pat Conaghan said applications opening for this much-needed support could not have come soon enough.

“I have fought long and hard to have this funding fast-tracked, as the money is needed in our travel agents’ pockets now, to ensure they can continue trading and keep staff employed,” Mr Conaghan said.

“The closure of international and state borders due to the pandemic has had a major impact on the travel industry, and I encourage everyone across the mid-north coast to book a holiday in Australia this year to support our tourism industry, and to book that holiday through a local travel agent.”

The COVID-19 Consumer Travel Support Program provides eligible travel agents with a one-off payment up to $100,000.

Under round two of the program the assessment and payment process for eligible businesses has been simplified, the minimum grant amount has been increased from $1,500 to $7,500, and the number of turnover tiers used to calculate payments has been reduced from 41 to nine.

The changes were adopted after widespread consultation with industry stakeholders, including The Australian Federation of Travel Agents, Council of Australian Tour Operators and Australian Tourism Export Council.

Applications for round two will close on June 12, and more information is available at COVID-19 Consumer Travel Support Program – Austrade