Kids for the Reef program opens

Austrade has launched an exciting new tourism grants program empowering schools across the country to take a field trip to the Great Barrier Reef (GBR).

The $6 million Kids for the Reef School Excursion Rebate Program offers Australian Government rebates for eligible Year 4 to Year 12 excursions to the GBR region. 

While benefiting students, the program also supports the Reef’s tourism industry by increasing visitor numbers. Schools must book with an Austrade-approved High Standard Tourism Operator to receive a rebate. Suitable operators are welcome to apply to join the program.

State and Regional Tourism Economic and Jobs Data 2024–25 now available

Tourism Research Australia’s State and Regional Tourism Satellite Accounts (Sub-National TSA) 2024–25 are now available, providing the latest figures for tourism’s economic contribution across Australia’s states, territories and 76 tourism regions. The release includes measures of visitor consumption, gross value added (GVA), gross state/regional product (GSP/GRP) and tourism employment.

Digitising passenger cards with the Australian Traveler Declaration (ATD)

On Monday 13 July 2026 the Government announced the roll out of digital passenger cards following a successful trial. The Government has committed $56.1 million over the next four years which will help fund the roll out the Australia Travel Declaration to all international airports over the next 12 to 18 months and introduce it into the cruise sector by the end of 2027. The funding will also support ongoing co-design work with industry on new airport departures and cruise clearance models.