INTERNATIONAL VACCINE CERTIFICATE ANOTHER KEY STEP ON PATH TO FREEDOM

The introduction of an International Vaccine Certificate by the Australian Government would pave the way for the resumption of international travel and enable the nation’s struggling visitor economy to establish a firm footing on the road to recovery, Australia’s peak tourism body said today.

Tourism & Transport Forum (TTF) Chief Executive Margy Osmond said the digital International Covid 19 Vaccination Certificate, which will be linked to passports, was a critical step in eventually reopening the country to meaningful international travel and would enable fully vaccinated Australians to travel internationally safely and with confidence.

“Following on from the NSW Premier’s announcement of quarantine free travel in the first instance for resident and returning Australians this is great news for the tourism sector and will be widely welcomed by operators across the country, especially those that are largely dependent on international visitation,” Margy Osmond said.

“It is also great news for Aussies wanting to resume a more normal life and keen to travel abroad and for expats with family and friends overseas that they are desperate to be reunited with particularly with Christmas fast approaching.

“Importantly the certificate – which can be downloaded digitally or printed – is compatible with Covid 19 travel apps and in particular the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Travel Pass. It includes a secure QR code to prove vaccination to border authorities globally and meets global standards and World Health Organisation guidance.

“This critical initiative from the Australian Government shows a real commitment to getting the nation open again and to eventually opening our door to high yield International visitors who are so important to a sustainable and successful visitor economy.

“The tourism industry has taken so many hits financially since the pandemic commenced and it is great to finally see such positive steps being taken so that we can confidently embark on what will be a challenging recovery period but one that will also provide opportunities for a resilient sector.

“This initiative, along with quarantine free travel being introduced in NSW from November 1, is an absolute game- changer for NSW in the first instance and hopefully the rest of the country will quickly follow suit as soon as the health advice and our vaccination rates make it possible.

“Together they make it a distinct possibility that we could be welcoming overseas tourists before Christmas, and we will welcome them with open arms.”

“TTF and our membership congratulates the Australian Government in taking the lead with the world-leading Visible Seal technology and for making it available to other interested governments so that they can develop their own equivalent.”

Ends

Contact: TTF Manager Policy, Media & Government Relations Lindsay Hermes lhermes@ttf.org.au 0418 948 447