MELBOURNE – Australia’s peak tourism body estimated the country’s bushfire crisis has so far cost the industry almost A$1 billion ($690 million) and called for urgent help from the government to lure back visitors.
The fires, which have killed 29 people and razed bushland, have hit several coastal towns.
Tourism accounts for over three percent of Australia’s A$1.95-trillion economy, with 9-million foreigners visiting the country annually.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison earlier this week welcomed a United States move to downgrade a travel warning.
Tourism Minister Simon Birmingham said he would seek firsthand feedback from tourism bosses at Thursday’s meeting and devise a strategy to reassure visitors that many tourism destinations are untainted by fires.(Reuters)
