QLD’S REOPENING DATE OF 13 DECEMBER SET TO BRIGHTEN OUR SUMMER

Tourism & Transport Forum (TTF) has welcomed the QLD Government’s decision to bring forward the opening of QLD to all states including hotspot areas to 13 December following an expected 80% double vaccination rate this week.

TTF Australia CEO Margy Osmond said that the QLD Government is to be congratulated for recognising the certainty that is required for Australian travellers to be able to plan and book travel over the peak Christmas and summer period.

“Our industry has already lost over $21 billion in spending over the last four school holidays due to various border closures and so we need all the support we can to avoid more damage over a fifth holiday period,” Ms Osmond said.

“While the omicron variant of COVID-19 is being watched closely by our sector, the early signs are that in all likelihood it will not have a serious impact on our health due to the high rates of vaccination now achieved across Australia.

“With that in mind and as we look ahead to summer and a 2022 full of positivity and potential, we congratulate Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk and the Queensland Government for their flexibility and responsiveness in bringing the reopening date forward to 1am on Monday 13 December.

“We all know that Queensland is a critical Australian tourism state, but it is important not only to tourism businesses and employees within the State, but to businesses large and small right across the country, including airlines, airports, hotels and cruise operators, that typically do business with the sunshine state.

“Early reopened borders are also critical to families and friends in every state who are looking forward to being together again over the summer who can now book with more certainty after what has been a horrendous two years.

“We encourage remaining Australian states with closed borders who are close to 80% double vaccination to follow Queensland’s example and open and let family and friends be together over Christmas.

“Our industry has long been known for being resilient, positive and future focused and we are very much looking forward to a brighter 2022 and a summer of helping as many Australians as possible to be together again once more.”

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