Australia’s tourism industry has demanded more financial support amid warnings the nation’s international border could remain shut for much of this year.
Key points:
- Australians have been warned international border restrictions could be in place for “most” of this year
- The tourism sector says it cannot survive on domestic travel alone, especially if state borders keep closing
- The Federal Government has defended its support measures and says JobKeeper won’t be extended again
Almost 12 months after travel restrictions first started being imposed, Health Department secretary Brendan Murphy said he could not see them lifting any time soon.
“I think we’ll go most of this year with still substantial border restrictions,”
Tourism and Transport Forum CEO Margy Osmond said while she respected the medical advice, it was a disappointing start to the year after a devastating 2020.
“Essentially your average Chinese visitor to Australia probably spends $8,500 while they’re here. Your average Aussie who heads off for a holiday is probably spending about $1,500.
“Make no mistake, while international borders remain closed, we have no hope of recovery.”
The Commonwealth had been pushing for a nationally agreed-upon definition of a COVID-19 hotspot, but most states and territories have adopted their own thresholds for imposing restrictions.
Federal Government defends tourism support measures
“For example, [there is an] $100 million plus program for travel agents, who have been hit hard, and the tourism sector more generally, as well as increased support for the aviation sector,” Mr Frydenberg said on Monday
“So, I’m confident that the key pillars of our economic response are in place.”
“But without support, there’s no chance.”
ED: Let’s not forget the massive amount of $$$ earned and spent by WHM and backpackers coming to Australia. If they are not going to come until 2022, many of the businesses in this sector will go bust- FACT. And once they do arrive, who will then be able to assist them in accommodation, work, tours etc.
