The recently launched, Tourism Industry Regional Development Fund will provide domestic and international visitors with higher standards of accommodation, say tourism leaders.

The funding was announced by the federal government this week, and praised by the Accommodation Association of Australia chief executive Richard Munro who said it would assist in making Australia more competitive by targeting areas where visitor numbers often fluctuate.

Giving tourism accommodation businesses located in the regional areas with “equal opportunity” to apply for funding, he added that the Tourism Industry Regional Development Fund would also act as a “big push” for regional areas and possibly drive more investment.

“Although there are a number of hotels, motels and apartments in regional areas which already have refurbished or new facilities, grants from the fund are an opportunity for other businesses to undertake capital expenditure to improve their offering,” Mr Munro explained.