PRESS RELEASE: Will JobKeeper 2.0 save Australia’s tour guides?
Australia’s peak representative body for tour guides, the Professional Tour Guide Association of Australia (PTGAA) has welcomed the extension of the JobKeeper program but understands that job losses will result with the reduction in financial support.
“The majority of our members are independent contractors, and the loss of income is ongoing until international guests can return and border restrictions ease. In this respect, I am pleased that the JobKeeper extension is available for our self-employed members. My concern is for Tour Guides that are employed by a business that can no longer generate revenue due to a lack of tourists. The reduction in the JobKeeper 2.0 payment will see more Tour Guide positions become redundant as businesses scale down or close. It’s this loss of talent that concerns me.” said the President of PTGAA, Jim McInerney.
The PTGAA has created a pathway to enable Tour Guides to stay connected to the tourism industry with complimentary Associate Membership. This free membership offers Tour Guides the opportunity to connect with Australia’s peak representative body, participate in professional development and networking events, access industry advice and apply for jobs posted with PTGAA by tour operators. For tour operators and other tourism industry businesses, Associate Membership will provide free job listings to our members.
“I encourage Tour Guides that are made redundant to remain connected to the industry through our Associate Membership offer. There is also plenty of opportunity for Tour Operators around the country to work with us and see how they can get recognition for their employees work experience, to attain the highest level of Tour Guide accreditation in Australia,” said Jim
Associate membership is now available online for all tour guides and industry participants who employ guides. Join today by completing this form: http://www.ptgaa.org.au/membership/membership-application/
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CONTACT
For further information: please contact Jim McInerney at [email protected] or call 0417 123 178
ABOUT PTGAA
PTGAA has undertaken the accreditation and professional development of professional tour guides since 1985. We support our members with various benefits such as industry discounts, regular PD events, discounted Group Insurance cover. We engage proactively with industry partners to foster partnering and business opportunities with our Members.
For more information visit www.ptgaa.org.au
