Australia hubs

Kate

Travel Agent

AustraliaEnglish (English)$ AUD

As a travel agent in Australia, I balance the fast-paced world of global bookings with the realities of running a small business and managing my own personal finances. This hub tracks the federal support, tax incentives, and regulatory portals I need to keep my agency compliant and my life on track.

Keeping the agency running

Essential portals and obligations for running a travel business and managing my tax liabilities.

ATO Online Services for Business

national · Australian Taxation Office

Who qualifies
All registered business owners with an ABN.
What you get
Centralised management of BAS, PAYG, and superannuation reporting.
What it actually costs you
Free, requires myGovID setup.
Common gotcha
Forgetting to link your ABN to your myGovID before the deadline.

Australian Business Number (ABN)

national · Australian Business Register

Who qualifies
Any individual or entity carrying on an enterprise in Australia.
What you get
A unique 11-digit identifier for all business transactions.
What it actually costs you
Free, instant online application.
Common gotcha
Not updating your business address or contact details when you move.

Goods and Services Tax (GST) Registration

national · Australian Taxation Office

Who qualifies
Businesses with a turnover of $75,000 or more.
What you get
Legal requirement to collect 10% GST on taxable supplies.
What it actually costs you
Requires quarterly or monthly BAS lodgement.
Common gotcha
Failing to register once you cross the $75k threshold.

ASIC Business Name Registration

national · Australian Securities and Investments Commission

Who qualifies
Any business trading under a name other than their own.
What you get
Legal right to trade under your chosen business name.
What it actually costs you
$99 for 1 year or $233 for 3 years.
Common gotcha
Renewals often go to junk mail; set a calendar reminder.

Superannuation Guarantee

national · Australian Taxation Office

Who qualifies
All employees and eligible contractors.
What you get
Mandatory 11.5% employer contribution to employee super funds.
What it actually costs you
Quarterly payment cycles via a clearing house.
Common gotcha
Missing the quarterly payment deadline triggers heavy penalties.

Fair Work Ombudsman Resources

national · Fair Work Ombudsman

Who qualifies
All employers and employees in the national system.
What you get
Access to award rates, templates, and workplace rights info.
What it actually costs you
Free, requires time to research specific award codes.
Common gotcha
Assuming you are exempt from modern awards.

Industry-specific tools

Regulations and certifications specific to the travel and tourism sector.

Australian Tourism Data Warehouse (ATDW)

national · Tourism Australia

Who qualifies
Tourism operators and travel businesses.
What you get
Centralised distribution of your product content to major travel websites.
What it actually costs you
Annual subscription fee varies by state/category.
Common gotcha
Content not being updated regularly, leading to stale listings.

Smartraveller Advisory Feed

national · Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

Who qualifies
Travel agents and the general public.
What you get
Real-time safety and security advice for global destinations.
What it actually costs you
Free, essential for duty of care compliance.
Common gotcha
Not checking the specific 'do not travel' zones within a country.

ATAS Accreditation

national · Australian Federation of Travel Agents

Who qualifies
Travel agencies meeting strict financial and service standards.
What you get
Industry 'seal of approval' and consumer trust.
What it actually costs you
Annual fee plus rigorous annual audit documentation.
Common gotcha
The audit process is time-intensive; start months early.

Austrade Tourism Grants

national · Australian Trade and Investment Commission

Who qualifies
Tourism businesses meeting specific growth criteria.
What you get
Occasional grants for recovery or innovation projects.
What it actually costs you
Competitive application process; requires detailed business plan.
Common gotcha
Grants are often oversubscribed; apply as soon as they open.

Document Verification Service (DVS)

national · Attorney-General's Department

Who qualifies
Businesses requiring identity verification.
What you get
Real-time verification of Australian passports and visas.
What it actually costs you
Requires integration with a DVS-approved gateway provider.
Common gotcha
Data privacy compliance under the Privacy Act.

VEVO (Visa Entitlement Verification Online)

national · Department of Home Affairs

Who qualifies
Travel agents checking client visa status.
What you get
Instant confirmation of visa validity and conditions.
What it actually costs you
Free, requires client consent and passport details.
Common gotcha
Clients often provide incorrect passport numbers.

My personal safety net

Federal health and social security systems that apply to me as a citizen.

Medicare

national · Services Australia

Who qualifies
Australian citizens and permanent residents.
What you get
Subsidised medical services and prescription drugs.
What it actually costs you
Funded by the 2% Medicare Levy on taxable income.
Common gotcha
Not updating your bank details for Medicare rebates.

Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS)

national · Department of Health

Who qualifies
All Medicare card holders.
What you get
Lower costs for essential prescription medicines.
What it actually costs you
Co-payment per script until the annual safety net is reached.
Common gotcha
Not asking the pharmacist to record your spend towards the safety net.

My Health Record

national · Australian Digital Health Agency

Who qualifies
All Australians with a Medicare card.
What you get
Digital access to your medical history and test results.
What it actually costs you
Free, requires setup via myGov.
Common gotcha
Privacy settings default to 'open'; check your access controls.

Centrelink via myGov

national · Services Australia

Who qualifies
Eligible citizens for various social support payments.
What you get
Access to family tax benefits, job seeker support, etc.
What it actually costs you
Extensive documentation and means-testing.
Common gotcha
Reporting income incorrectly leads to automated debt notices.

Super Co-contribution

national · Australian Taxation Office

Who qualifies
Low to middle-income earners making personal super contributions.
What you get
Government matches personal contributions up to $500.
What it actually costs you
Requires voluntary after-tax contributions.
Common gotcha
You must lodge your tax return to receive the payment.

Private Health Insurance Rebate

national · Australian Taxation Office

Who qualifies
Individuals with private hospital cover.
What you get
Income-tested rebate on insurance premiums.
What it actually costs you
Claimed via tax return or reduced premiums at source.
Common gotcha
Not updating your income estimate leads to a tax bill at year-end.

Staying secure online

Managing my digital identity and protecting the agency's data.

myGovID

national · Australian Taxation Office

Who qualifies
All business owners and individuals.
What you get
Secure access to government online services.
What it actually costs you
Requires a smartphone and identity documents (passport/license).
Common gotcha
Changing phones requires re-verifying your identity documents.

Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC) Alerts

national · Australian Signals Directorate

Who qualifies
All Australian businesses.
What you get
Threat alerts and guidance on securing business data.
What it actually costs you
Free, requires signing up for email alerts.
Common gotcha
Ignoring the 'small business' specific alerts.

OAIC Privacy Obligations

national · Office of the Australian Information Commissioner

Who qualifies
Businesses with turnover >$3m or those handling health/PII.
What you get
Guidelines for handling client data securely.
What it actually costs you
Requires implementing a formal Privacy Policy.
Common gotcha
Assuming you are too small to need a Privacy Policy.

Scamwatch

national · ACCC

Who qualifies
All Australians.
What you get
Reporting portal and advice on current scams.
What it actually costs you
Free, requires vigilance.
Common gotcha
Not reporting scams promptly to help others.

Relationship Authorisation Manager (RAM)

national · Australian Taxation Office

Who qualifies
Business owners managing staff access to government portals.
What you get
Control over who can act on behalf of your business.
What it actually costs you
Requires initial setup via myGovID.
Common gotcha
Forgetting to revoke access for former employees.

Digital ID

national · Digital Transformation Agency

Who qualifies
All citizens.
What you get
A reusable way to prove who you are online.
What it actually costs you
Free, requires one-time identity verification.
Common gotcha
Not all services accept all Digital ID providers yet.

State-level schemes

8states & territories — open one to see what it offers.

Australian Capital Territory

Canberra offers unique cost-of-living support and business incentives specifically designed for the ACT's small-business-heavy economy.

Keeping my agency running

Small Business Innovation Grants

state · Chief Minister, Treasury and Economic Development Directorate

Who qualifies
Small businesses in the ACT with fewer than 20 employees.
What you get
Matching grants up to $10,000 for business improvement projects.
What it actually costs you
Detailed business plan and 1:1 co-contribution required.
Common gotcha
The application window is very short; keep an eye on the newsletter.

ACT Payroll Tax Threshold

state · ACT Revenue Office

Who qualifies
Employers with total Australian wages below the ACT threshold.
What you get
Exemption from paying payroll tax.
What it actually costs you
Annual registration with the Revenue Office.
Common gotcha
Thresholds change annually; check your payroll software settings.

ACT Business Advisory Service

state · Canberra Business Chamber

Who qualifies
Any registered ACT small business owner.
What you get
Free one-on-one professional business advice.
What it actually costs you
Time for a consultation session.
Common gotcha
Limited to a certain number of hours per financial year.

Digital Transformation Voucher

state · Access Canberra

Who qualifies
Small businesses looking to upgrade digital infrastructure.
What you get
Vouchers to offset costs of new software or digital training.
What it actually costs you
Proof of business registration and quotes from vendors.
Common gotcha
Must use approved digital service providers.

Daily life and transport

ACT Services Access Card

state · Transport Canberra

Who qualifies
Low-income earners and pensioners residing in the ACT.
What you get
Discounted fares on ACTION buses and Light Rail.
What it actually costs you
Proof of income/pension status.
Common gotcha
Must be renewed annually to keep the discount active.

ACT Utilities Concession Scheme

state · ACT Government

Who qualifies
Holders of a Centrelink Pensioner Concession Card or Health Care Card.
What you get
Annual rebate on electricity, gas, and water bills.
What it actually costs you
Application form submitted to your utility provider.
Common gotcha
It is not automatic; you must apply through your energy retailer.

ACT Vehicle Registration Concession

state · Access Canberra

Who qualifies
Pensioners and disability support recipients.
What you get
Significant reduction in annual vehicle registration fees.
What it actually costs you
Proof of residency and concession status.
Common gotcha
Only applies to one vehicle per household.

ACT Energy Efficiency Improvement Scheme

state · Environment, Planning and Sustainable Development Directorate

Who qualifies
ACT homeowners and small business tenants.
What you get
Subsidized installation of energy-efficient appliances and lighting.
What it actually costs you
Arranging an appointment with an approved installer.
Common gotcha
Ensure the installer is on the official ACT government list.
New South Wales

As a travel agent in Sydney, navigating the complex web of NSW-specific tourism grants, small business support, and transport concessions is essential for staying competitive and managing local overheads.

Keeping the agency running

Small Business Fees and Charges Rebate

state · Service NSW

Who qualifies
Small businesses with total Australian wages below the payroll tax threshold.
What you get
Up to $2,000 rebate on eligible NSW and local government fees and charges.
What it actually costs you
Requires ABN, business activity statement, and receipts for paid fees.
Common gotcha
You must claim the rebate after paying the fees, not before.

Tourism Business Support Program

state · Destination NSW

Who qualifies
Registered tourism operators in NSW experiencing significant disruption.
What you get
Targeted grants for marketing and digital transformation projects.
What it actually costs you
Detailed business plan and proof of tourism-related revenue.
Common gotcha
Funding rounds are sporadic and highly competitive.

Payroll Tax Rebate for Apprentices

state · Revenue NSW

Who qualifies
Employers hiring eligible apprentices or trainees.
What you get
Exemption from payroll tax on the wages of the apprentice.
What it actually costs you
Registration with Revenue NSW and formal training contracts.
Common gotcha
Must ensure the training contract is registered with Training Services NSW.

Business Connect Advisory

state · Investment NSW

Who qualifies
Any small business owner in NSW.
What you get
Free one-on-one business advice and workshops.
What it actually costs you
Time for meetings and business health check documentation.
Common gotcha
Advisors are third-party contractors; quality can vary by region.

Getting around Sydney and beyond

Opal Concession Card

state · Transport for NSW

Who qualifies
Eligible students, pensioners, and job seekers.
What you get
Half-price fares on all public transport across Sydney and NSW.
What it actually costs you
Proof of eligibility status via Centrelink or educational institution.
Common gotcha
You must tap on and off to ensure correct fare calculation.

Regional Seniors Travel Card

state · Service NSW

Who qualifies
Age pensioners living in regional NSW (outside Sydney).
What you get
$250 prepaid card for travel expenses like fuel or train tickets.
What it actually costs you
Application via Service NSW portal.
Common gotcha
Does not apply to residents in the Sydney metropolitan area.

NSW Toll Relief Scheme

state · Transport for NSW

Who qualifies
NSW motorists who spend a certain amount on tolls.
What you get
Cashback or reduced registration fees based on annual toll spend.
What it actually costs you
Link your E-Toll account to your MyServiceNSW account.
Common gotcha
Only applies to personal vehicles, not business-registered ones.

Active Kids Voucher

state · Office of Sport

Who qualifies
Parents of school-aged children.
What you get
$50 voucher for sports and active recreation registration fees.
What it actually costs you
Apply annually through Service NSW.
Common gotcha
Vouchers expire at the end of the calendar year.
Northern Territory

As a travel agent in the NT, you navigate unique remote-area travel subsidies and tourism-specific business support that keep the Top End industry moving.

Keeping my agency afloat and growing

Tourism Industry Development Fund

state · Tourism NT

Who qualifies
NT-based tourism businesses looking to upgrade infrastructure or experiences.
What you get
Co-contribution grants for capital investment projects.
What it actually costs you
Detailed business plan, 50% matching funds, and proof of project viability.
Common gotcha
The application process is highly competitive and requires a clear ROI for the NT tourism sector.

Small Business Champion Program

state · Department of Industry, Tourism and Trade

Who qualifies
Small business owners in the NT needing expert business advice.
What you get
Access to subsidized professional consulting services.
What it actually costs you
Small co-payment fee and a willingness to undergo a business health check.
Common gotcha
You must use a pre-approved consultant from the NT government panel.

Business Innovation Program

state · Department of Industry, Tourism and Trade

Who qualifies
Businesses developing new products or services for the NT market.
What you get
Grants up to $30,000 to help commercialize new ideas.
What it actually costs you
Significant documentation regarding innovation and market potential.
Common gotcha
It is not for general operating costs; it must be a genuine innovation.

Tourism Accreditation Rebate

state · Tourism NT

Who qualifies
NT tourism operators seeking industry accreditation.
What you get
Rebate on the costs associated with achieving and maintaining accreditation.
What it actually costs you
Receipts for accreditation fees and proof of certification.
Common gotcha
Only specific, recognized accreditation bodies qualify for the rebate.

Managing travel logistics for clients and self

NT Pensioner and Carer Concession Scheme

state · Territory Families, Housing and Communities

Who qualifies
NT residents who are pensioners or carers.
What you get
Discounts on electricity, water, sewerage, and public transport.
What it actually costs you
Proof of residency and pension status; annual renewal required.
Common gotcha
It does not automatically apply to all private utilities; check the provider list.

Patient Assistance Travel Scheme (PATS)

state · NT Health

Who qualifies
NT residents who must travel long distances for specialist medical treatment.
What you get
Subsidies for travel and accommodation costs.
What it actually costs you
Medical referral form and receipts for travel expenses.
Common gotcha
You must get approval before you travel; retrospective claims are rarely accepted.

First Home Owner Discount

state · Territory Revenue Office

Who qualifies
First-time buyers purchasing a new home in the NT.
What you get
Stamp duty discount on the purchase of a new home.
What it actually costs you
Proof of first-home status and property valuation.
Common gotcha
Only applies to new homes, not established properties.

NT Vehicle Registration Concession

state · Motor Vehicle Registry (MVR)

Who qualifies
Concession card holders living in the NT.
What you get
Reduced annual vehicle registration fees.
What it actually costs you
Valid concession card and vehicle details.
Common gotcha
Only applies to one vehicle per concession holder.
Queensland

Queensland offers unique travel and tourism industry support, regional transport concessions, and specific small business grants that help travel agents navigate the state's vast geography and seasonal tourism cycles.

Keeping my agency running

Small Business Digital Grants Program

state · Department of Employment, Small Business and Training

Who qualifies
Small businesses with fewer than 20 employees and a turnover of less than $2 million.
What you get
Matching funding up to $10,000 for digital technology adoption.
What it actually costs you
Requires a 50% co-contribution and a detailed business case.
Common gotcha
Funding rounds are competitive and close very quickly once opened.

Queensland Tourism Industry Development Fund

state · Tourism and Events Queensland

Who qualifies
Tourism operators and travel service providers in regional Queensland.
What you get
Grants for new tourism experiences or infrastructure upgrades.
What it actually costs you
Detailed project plan and evidence of financial viability.
Common gotcha
Projects must demonstrate a clear increase in visitor numbers.

Queensland Payroll Tax Rebate for Apprentices and Trainees

state · Queensland Revenue Office

Who qualifies
Employers hiring apprentices or trainees in the tourism sector.
What you get
A rebate on payroll tax paid for eligible employees.
What it actually costs you
Must be registered for payroll tax and lodge annual returns.
Common gotcha
Only applies to specific training contracts registered in Queensland.

Mentoring for Growth

state · Department of Employment, Small Business and Training

Who qualifies
Queensland-based small business owners seeking strategic advice.
What you get
Free access to a panel of expert mentors for business strategy.
What it actually costs you
Time commitment for meetings and preparation of business data.
Common gotcha
Not a funding program, strictly advisory.

Travel and living in the Sunshine State

Translink Travel Concessions

state · Translink

Who qualifies
Eligible pensioners, seniors, and students in South East Queensland.
What you get
50% discount on public transport fares.
What it actually costs you
Requires a valid concession Go Card.
Common gotcha
Must renew eligibility annually if on a temporary visa or specific benefit.

Queensland Electricity Rebate Scheme

state · Department of Seniors, Disability Services and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships

Who qualifies
Pensioner Concession Card or Health Care Card holders.
What you get
Annual rebate of $372.20 on electricity bills.
What it actually costs you
Application form submitted to your energy provider.
Common gotcha
It is automatically applied once approved, but check your bill to confirm.

Queensland Seniors Card

state · Department of Seniors

Who qualifies
Permanent Queensland residents aged 65 or over (or 60+ if working less than 35 hours).
What you get
Discounts on travel, retail, and government services.
What it actually costs you
Free application, takes 2-4 weeks for card arrival.
Common gotcha
Many businesses require the physical card, digital version isn't always accepted.

Queensland Blinded Veterans Travel Pass

state · Translink

Who qualifies
Veterans with vision impairment.
What you get
Free travel on all Translink services.
What it actually costs you
Medical certification required.
Common gotcha
Does not cover Airtrain services.
South Australia

South Australia offers unique tourism-specific grants and cost-of-living concessions that help travel agents manage business overheads and personal expenses in the Adelaide market.

Keeping my agency running

Tourism Industry Development Fund

state · South Australian Tourism Commission

Who qualifies
Small to medium tourism businesses in SA looking to expand or upgrade.
What you get
Grants and low-interest loans for infrastructure projects that boost visitor numbers.
What it actually costs you
Requires a detailed business case and matching investment funds.
Common gotcha
It is highly competitive; focus on how your project drives regional visitation.

Small Business Payroll Tax Exemption

state · RevenueSA

Who qualifies
Businesses with annual taxable wages below the threshold.
What you get
Exemption from paying state payroll tax.
What it actually costs you
Annual registration and self-assessment of payroll data.
Common gotcha
You must monitor your wage threshold closely as you hire new staff.

SATC Marketing Partnership Program

state · South Australian Tourism Commission

Who qualifies
Registered travel agencies promoting SA destinations.
What you get
Access to high-quality media assets and co-operative marketing funding.
What it actually costs you
Must align marketing campaigns with SATC brand guidelines.
Common gotcha
Approval for co-op funding must be obtained before the campaign launches.

Business SA Membership Rebate

state · Business SA

Who qualifies
Small businesses in SA.
What you get
Discounts on professional development and legal advisory services.
What it actually costs you
Annual membership fee.
Common gotcha
Often overlooked as a source for free legal templates for travel contracts.

Managing my daily expenses

Cost of Living Concession

state · Department of Human Services

Who qualifies
Low-income earners and pensioners living in SA.
What you get
An annual payment to help with energy and water bills.
What it actually costs you
Must hold a valid Centrelink or DVA concession card.
Common gotcha
You must re-apply or confirm details every financial year.

Adelaide Metro Concession

state · Adelaide Metro

Who qualifies
Eligible cardholders including students and low-income earners.
What you get
Significant discounts on bus, train, and tram fares.
What it actually costs you
Must carry your concession card at all times when travelling.
Common gotcha
Fines apply if your concession card has expired while using a discounted ticket.

SA Water Concession

state · Department of Human Services

Who qualifies
Eligible concession card holders.
What you get
Quarterly rebate on water and sewerage charges.
What it actually costs you
Application via the state portal; linked to your property address.
Common gotcha
It does not apply automatically; you must link your account.

Energy Bill Concession

state · Department of Human Services

Who qualifies
Low-income households.
What you get
Direct credit applied to your electricity bill.
What it actually costs you
Must provide your energy account number.
Common gotcha
It takes one or two billing cycles to appear after approval.
Tasmania

Tasmania offers unique regional migration pathways and tourism grants that are vital for travel agents managing business growth and client relocation in the island state.

Growing my travel business

Tourism Accreditation Program

state · Tourism Industry Council Tasmania

Who qualifies
Registered tourism businesses operating in Tasmania.
What you get
Official quality assurance branding and priority listing on state tourism portals.
What it actually costs you
Annual fee based on business size; requires evidence of insurance and safety compliance.
Common gotcha
Many agents forget to renew their annual audit, which can lead to suspension from state marketing campaigns.

Small Business Growth Strategy Grants

state · Business Tasmania

Who qualifies
Small businesses looking to expand digital presence or service offerings.
What you get
Matching grants up to $5,000 for business development projects.
What it actually costs you
Detailed business plan and proof of matching funds required.
Common gotcha
Funds are competitive and often exhausted within days of the application window opening.

Helping clients move to Tassie

Tasmanian Skilled Migration State Nomination

state · Migration Tasmania

Who qualifies
Skilled workers with a job offer in an occupation on the Tasmanian Skilled Occupation List.
What you get
State nomination for subclass 190 or 491 visas, providing extra points for permanent residency.
What it actually costs you
Application fee of $220; requires comprehensive skills assessment and proof of employment.
Common gotcha
The occupation list changes frequently; always check the current list before advising a client.

Regional Employment Incentive

state · Department of State Growth

Who qualifies
Employers hiring skilled migrants in regional areas outside Hobart.
What you get
Financial incentives to offset recruitment and training costs for new staff.
What it actually costs you
Requires evidence of a long-term employment contract.
Common gotcha
The definition of 'regional' can be strict; ensure the business address falls within the eligible postcode range.

Getting around the island

Tasmanian Travel Concession Card

state · Department of State Growth

Who qualifies
Pensioners and low-income earners residing in Tasmania.
What you get
Significant discounts on Metro Tasmania buses and regional coach services.
What it actually costs you
Free to apply; requires proof of residency and concession status.
Common gotcha
Must be renewed every two years; expired cards are not accepted by drivers.

Resident Fare Scheme

state · TT-Line Company

Who qualifies
Permanent residents of Tasmania traveling on the ferry.
What you get
Discounted passenger and vehicle fares compared to standard tourist rates.
What it actually costs you
Requires proof of Tasmanian address at the time of booking.
Common gotcha
Discount is not available on all fare classes; book well in advance for peak periods.
Victoria

Victoria offers a unique blend of tourism-focused grants and regional business support that helps travel agents navigate the state's vibrant but competitive visitor economy.

Keeping my agency running

Small Business Mentoring Program

state · Small Business Victoria

Who qualifies
Victorian small business owners with under 20 employees.
What you get
Low-cost, expert mentoring sessions to improve business strategy.
What it actually costs you
Small co-contribution fee per session; requires ABN.
Common gotcha
Mentors are booked out quickly; apply early in the quarter.

Business Victoria Grants and Programs

state · Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions

Who qualifies
Registered Victorian businesses meeting specific sector criteria.
What you get
Access to various industry-specific vouchers and innovation grants.
What it actually costs you
Detailed application process; often requires matching funds.
Common gotcha
Grants are highly competitive and close as soon as funds are exhausted.

WorkSafe Victoria Premium Discount

state · WorkSafe Victoria

Who qualifies
Employers who maintain high safety standards and low claims history.
What you get
Reduced annual workers' compensation insurance premiums.
What it actually costs you
Annual audit and safety documentation compliance.
Common gotcha
Premiums adjust based on your industry classification rate.

Payroll Tax Threshold Exemption

state · State Revenue Office Victoria

Who qualifies
Employers with annual taxable wages below the Victorian threshold.
What you get
Exemption from paying state payroll tax.
What it actually costs you
Annual registration and monthly reporting if near the threshold.
Common gotcha
Thresholds change annually; monitor your wage bill closely.

Staying connected in the travel trade

Visit Victoria Industry Portal

state · Visit Victoria

Who qualifies
Tourism operators and travel agents promoting Victorian destinations.
What you get
Access to marketing assets, research data, and industry networking events.
What it actually costs you
Free registration; requires business verification.
Common gotcha
It is a resource hub, not a direct funding source.

Victorian Tourism Industry Council Membership

state · VTIC

Who qualifies
Any business operating within the Victorian tourism supply chain.
What you get
Advocacy, industry updates, and professional development discounts.
What it actually costs you
Annual membership fee based on business size.
Common gotcha
Membership is voluntary but recommended for industry influence.

Regional Tourism Board Partnerships

state · Regional Tourism Boards

Who qualifies
Agents focusing on specific regions like the Great Ocean Road or Yarra Valley.
What you get
Local destination training and familiarization trip opportunities.
What it actually costs you
Time commitment for training sessions.
Common gotcha
Support is highly localized; you must be active in the specific region.
Western Australia

Western Australia offers unique regional travel incentives and tourism business support that help travel agents navigate the vast, remote geography of the state.

Keeping my agency running

Tourism WA Business Support

state · Tourism Western Australia

Who qualifies
Registered tourism operators and travel agencies based in WA.
What you get
Access to marketing grants and business development funding for promoting regional WA.
What it actually costs you
Detailed business plan and proof of tourism-related revenue.
Common gotcha
Grants are highly competitive and often tied to specific regional tourism campaigns.

Small Business Development Corporation (SBDC) Advisory

state · Small Business Development Corporation

Who qualifies
Any small business owner operating in Western Australia.
What you get
Free one-on-one business advisory services and commercial lease dispute resolution.
What it actually costs you
Free service; requires booking an appointment online.
Common gotcha
They provide advice, not direct financial bailouts.

WA Payroll Tax Exemption

state · Department of Finance WA

Who qualifies
Small businesses with payrolls below the threshold.
What you get
Exemption from state payroll tax for eligible small firms.
What it actually costs you
Annual registration with the Department of Finance.
Common gotcha
Thresholds change annually based on state budget updates.

Getting clients around the state

Regional Airfare Zone Cap

state · Department of Transport WA

Who qualifies
Residents of regional WA travelling to/from Perth.
What you get
Capped airfare prices for regional flights to the capital.
What it actually costs you
Proof of regional residency required at booking.
Common gotcha
Only applies to specific routes and airlines participating in the scheme.

Transwa Pensioner/Senior Concessions

state · Transwa

Who qualifies
WA Seniors Card holders and pensioners.
What you get
Significant discounts on regional coach and rail travel.
What it actually costs you
Must present a valid WA Seniors Card or Pensioner Concession Card.
Common gotcha
Bookings must be made in advance to secure the discounted fare.

WA Seniors Card Program

state · Department of Communities

Who qualifies
WA residents aged 60+ who work less than 25 hours per week.
What you get
Access to various state-wide travel and utility discounts.
What it actually costs you
Application form and proof of identity.
Common gotcha
Does not apply to interstate travel outside of WA.