The federal government will give the hard-pressed Australian travel agency community a $128 million lifeline.
Agencies can apply for one-off payments as part of a rescue package for the industry.
The aid will help about 4,000 agencies which have an annual turnover of between $50,000 and $20 million.
Agencies generating a turnover at the lower end will get a minimum one-off payment of $1,500, while those bringing in up to $20 million can claim the maximum payment of $100,000.
"This one off payment recognises that travel agents are operating in an exceptional set of circumstances where most are having to refund last year’s income while continuing to work with no additional income," Tourism Minister Birmingham said.
"Providing further assistance to travel agents in the current environment will help keep them afloat at a time when they are continuing to hold travel credits for consumers."
It was welcomed by the Australian Federation of Travel Agents.
We are delighted that the Morrison Government has acknowledged the unique and challenging circumstances that Travel Agents have been confronted with," said AFTA chief executive Darren Rudd.
Written by Ray Montgomery, Asia Editor
