Although quick to sever ties with the tourism body, Qantas will have to work with Tourism Australia for at least another seven months.

This week the Australian flag carrier confirmed it would withdraw up to $50 million in marketing funds from the tourism bureau, claiming it would not work with an agency whose chairman, Geoff Dixon, is out to sabotage Qantas’ “structure and direction”.

Responding to the carrier’s decision, Tourism Australia managing director (MD) Andrew McEvoy said the existing agreement between the two parties would not expire until 30 June 2013, keeping Qantas contractually obligated to work with the group on several upcoming events.

“Qantas is the longest-standing marketing partner of Tourism Australia, and both organizations have worked for decades in a professional, collaborative and overwhelmingly supportive manner, all in the common best interest of Australian tourism,” Mr McEvoy explained.

According to the tourist bureau’s MD, Tourism Australia’s Board will convene and consider Qantas’ suspension, however, for the moment Qantas will continue to work with the group on G’day LA and G’day USA in January 2013 as well as the Australian Tourism Exchange in April 2013.