History

Formed as the Tourism Task Force to counter the devastating effects of the 1989 pilots’ strike, TTF quickly established itself as the authentic voice of the Australian tourism industry.

Under the Chairmanship of the former Federal Tourism Minster, Hon John Brown AO, TTF immediately bolstered the industry’s fortunes by securing funding of $23 million from the Hawke Government for a domestic tourism campaign. Other successes followed, including the vital decision to construct a third runway at Sydney Airport and the introduction of the infrastructure bond scheme, setting the high standard for uncompromising advocacy that remains TTF’s hallmark.

At the best of times, TTF played a crucial role in the planning and preparations for the Sydney Olympic Games and the Rugby World Cup. At the worst of times, TTF provided strong leadership through crises such as 9/11, the Ansett collapse and SARS.

Reflecting tourism’s symbiotic relationship with transport and infrastructure, TTF re-branded in 2003 as Tourism & Transport Forum (TTF). Today around 40 per cent of TTF’s 200 Members come from the transport and infrastructure sectors, enabling TTF to speak for both industries with a single voice.

Among TTF’s recent achievements are the successful introduction and implementation of the $235 million Tourism White Paper and the $11.8 billion Auslink White Paper, and the increasing acceptance among Governments of the Public Private Partnership model of infrastructure funding.

Looking forward, we are set to play a key role in the framing of  the National Tourism Strategy and Aviation White Paper - having worked with the new Federal Government to drive both strategies onto the agenda.  We are also stepping up our campaign for cooperative Federal-State action to bolster urban transport infrastructure, and working with Governments to address the overarching challenges of labour and skills shortages and climate change. 

It is this ability to marshal the industry behind essential policy objectives that sets TTF apart as Australia’s peak industry group for tourism, transport, aviation and investment.