The grey nomads of Australia are shaping up to be a key election issue as the politicians square off in the nation’s capital. The people of the ACT go to the polls on October 20 and the major parties have been outlining their election commitments for the city’s tourism industry. It could mean millions in extra funding for the sector, and a rollout of plans to make Canberra a more attractive stop for grey nomads.
According to the Canberra Times, Labor – if re-elected – has promised an extra $12 million for a range of tourism events and marketing. Money would also be spent the Enlighten Festival and Canberra’s new autumn festival. The Canberra Liberals have promised $2 million to develop a concept for a new international-standard convention centre and to establish an independent Canberra Tourism and Marketing Agency.
The Liberals said the marketing agency would produce a strategy to bring more grey nomads to the territory. For their part, the ACT Greens have also promised $150,000 for a similar plan to increase Canberra’s share of the growing market for retirees travelling Australia by caravan and motorhome.
“Canberra has a very unique set of tourism assets, which are very appealing to growing numbers of retired Australians who travel around our country,” Greens spokesman Shane Rattenbury said. “A targeted strategy to promote these assets, and better facilitate older tourists makes sense.”
Canberra currently attracts more than 3.8 million tourists a year. Is Canberra part of your Big Lap planning? What do you think the ACT could – and should – do to lure more grey nomads? Email us here to comment on this story.
