TTF Media Release

18 September 2020

SENSIBLE STATE POLICIES HELPING TOURISM TURN THE CORNER

TTF Australia CEO Margy Osmond today welcomed a series of political developments at both Commonwealth and State levels that will help to boost domestic traveller confidence and begin to reboot the visitor economy.

“It is fantastic to see ongoing announcements around safe border reopenings from a number of States in addition to a relaxing of restrictions around event gatherings in places like NSW,” Ms Osmond said.

“Queensland will open to the ACT from next Friday the 25th of September which follows an announcement earlier in the week from South Australia who are, as of now, open to Canberrans and the Northern Territory has also announced plans to open to the ACT from the 9^th of October.

“These developments are extremely positive for tourism, accommodation, aviation and transport businesses right around the country who are in need of some good news right now.

“We now need this momentum to continue. New Newgate Research polling shows that 63% of Australians are keen to see all borders completely open by Christmas – up from 58% last week.

“This supports our ongoing advocacy to safely remove these borders and rely on a single national COVID-19 hotspot definition to get interstate tourism up and running in all States outside Victoria.

“Additionally, it is good to see that the National Cabinet working closely together regarding States sharing the load on the numbers of returning Australians, as well as a renewed commitment from the Federal Government to a travel bubble between Australia and New Zealand.

“We know people want to get out and explore and attend events and recent confirmations in Sydney alone include the 2020 Rugby Championship, the NRL Grand Final and Game 2 of the NRL State of Origin series, as well as creative performances like the Sydney Theatre Company’s season of Angus Cerini’s Wonnangatta starring Wayne Blair and Hugo Weaving.

“We are beginning to turn the corner and prove that tourism can operate and reopen in a COVID-Safe manner, we just need continued momentum from policymakers to allow States to do the same so Australians can plan friends and family visits in the lead-up to Christmas.”

Ends.

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