By James Wilkinson

Tourism Australia has launched a new campaign that encouraging Australians to spend their combined 123 million days of accrued leave on domestic holidays.

Australia’s minister for Tourism, Martin Ferguson, who launched the ‘No Leave No Life’ campaign in Sydney yesterday (Mar 30), said the 123 million days of accrued leave is worth $33 billion and unlocking that money is a key to the success of domestic tourism in the current downturn.

“In these difficult times I hope all Australians will stop and think what they can do to kick our economy along and help keep the jobs of their fellow Australians – a great Aussie holiday is a great start,” he said

“This is also a campaign about winning the work/life battle for employees and their families, and managing the accrued leave liabilities of employers. Unlocking that $33 billion would boost our economy over the coming year and ease the liability burden of many employers.” 

Tourism Australia managing director Geoff Buckley said the initiative will equip employees and employers with a range of resources and tools to help collaboratively tackle annual leave stockpiling.

“Through No Leave, No Life we will be promoting the benefits of taking leave, such as feeling refreshed, the chance to reconnect with family and friends, and being better able to cope with the pressures of day-to-day life,” he said

“We will also be talking to employers about addressing the most significant barriers to employees taking leave such as finding someone to cover for people on leave, increased workload before and after leave, as well as the dreaded email or intray overload when they return to work.”

The program’s website has dedicated sections for both businesses and their workforces. It also offers employees the chance to win an Australian holiday every week for eight weeks.