Funding boost for Australian hotels

Funding boost for Australian hotels
By admin


The quality of Australia’s accommodation offering is expected to see a significant improvement in the coming years after the government last week handed out Tourism Industry Regional Development Fund (TIRF) Grants totalling $13.1 million.

A total of 65 applicants were successful in the first round of the TIRF Grants Program, with some applicants receiving up to $250,000 to improve or enhance existing properties and venues.

Among the successful applicants, Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley will expand their conference facilities, Crown Plaza Alice Springs will upgrade its 235 rooms, BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort will add a multi-purpose conference centre.

Kangaroo Island Lodge will also complete a series of property upgrades and The Cable Beach Resort and Spa in Broome will add capacity to its current conference facilities.

With the funding set to have a total investment value of over $141 million, Accommodation Association of Australia chief executive Richard Munro said the grants were a “significant step” for Australia’s accommodation sector.

“Australia’s accommodation and tourism industries are better off as a result of funds being distributed as part of the TIRF program,” he said. “A better accommodation product promotes both repeat and new visitors.”

Munro stressed the need for improvement in Australia’s accommodation quality, rather than quantity, and remained confident the funding would help to improve the accommodation offering across the board.

Applications are now being accepted for the second round of TIRF Grants. Click here for details.

Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au

Latest News

  • Conferences

Cvent Accelerate Sydney finds event growth will come from pre-, during and post-event data

Cvent, an industry-leading meetings, events and hospitality technology provider, has concluded its third edition of Cvent Accelerate in Sydney, where technology’s role in catapulting growth was front and centre. The 341 attendees were challenged to think how they are currently using data and additional ways to unlock its potential, particularly across marketing, in scaling event […]

  • Food & Beverage

Four Seasons Hotel Sydney popular Aperitivo returns to Grain Bar

Four Seasons Hotel Sydney is relaunching its popular Aperitivo, now located in the George St venue’s award-winning Grain Bar. Originally launched into Mode Kitchen & Bar in 2023, Aperitivo is inspired by the classic Italian evening ritual where guests enjoy a cocktail, paired with traditional Italian antipasti bites. It became a much-loved offering for Sydneysiders […]

  • Hotels

nb_ OUTRIGGER Kona Resort and Spa completes US$60 million renovation

Hawai’i’s OUTRIGGER Kona Resort & Spa has completed its US$60 million (AU$90 million) renovation as is once again ready to welcome guests to Keauhou, a name that signifies “New Era”. The revitalised 511 guest rooms/suites and meeting spaces blend the property’s heritage and reverence for voyaging with modern aesthetics. The concept of “koi au” inspired […]

  • Events

Merlin Venues Sydney partners with bespoke catering

Merlin Venues Sydney, the events arm of Merlin Entertainments, has announced a new partnership with Sydney-based culinary experts, Bespoke Catering ahead of its event season. Merlin Venues Sydney hosts a range of unique public and private events across their four leading attractions in the city. These include the iconic SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium, WILD LIFE […]

  • Business
  • Events
  • Exhibitions

Sprintr launches world’s first 100% recyclable kiosk for delegate registration

Sprintr has launched its sustainable, lightweight, modular EcoKiosk for delegate registrations, to support the events industry in reducing its carbon footprint. Made from Re-Board® Technology, a durable, versatile, lightweight, printable and 100 percent recyclable product, this impressive design gives the business events industry the option to reduce their environmental impact and deliver on sustainability KPIs. […]