26 October 2020

VICTORIAN EASING EQUALS LIGHT AT THE END OF THE TUNNEL

TTF Australia CEO Margy Osmond welcomed Victoria’s announcement today to start re-opening from Wednesday which will provide certainty to businesses and provide confidence right across the country.

“Following zero new cases in Victoria, this is a commonsense decision by the State Government who are managing the risk rather than the emergency and beginning to open up safely,” Margy Osmond said.

“After this milestone moment at midnight tomorrow night (Tuesday 27 October) and the additional easing of restrictions slated to arrive next week (from Sunday 8 November), the next sensible step is to announce the removal of Victorian border travel restrictions well ahead of Christmas.

“Fresh Newgate Research data for the Tourism & Transport Forum (TTF) shows that 77% of Victorians want to see borders completely open by Christmas – up from 69% the week before.”

The new survey data also shows that support for large events in Victoria also continues its rapid increase with 58% of Victorians supporting large sporting events within three months (up from 20% three months ago) and 52% of respondents supporting music concerts (up from 17% over the same period).

“Full border reopenings would allow for immediate COVID-Safe intrastate and interstate travel planning to visit friends and family and could also boost major upcoming Victorian events like the Boxing Day Test and the Australian Open being open to those from interstate,” Margy Osmond continued.

“Likewise, major interstate events that could open to Victorians include sporting highlights like the Santos Tour Down Under in SA, popular fishing tournaments in the NT, the NRL State of Origin series across three States or musical performances in NSW like the confirmed 2021 season of the Sydney Symphony Orchestra.

“We have proved that tourism, transport and aviation can operate in a COVID-Safe manner and we are turning the corner. We just need continued momentum from all policymakers state and federal so all that Australians can start planning their COVID-Safe trips in the lead-up to Christmas.”

Today’s announcement follows TTF and fellow industry body the Victoria Tourism Industry Council (VTIC) joining forces earlier in the day (Monday) as part of a joint leadership forum with industry and senior policymakers to call on the Victorian Government to provide further support for the industry in the lead-up to the Victorian Budget.

New Stafford Strategy research revealed that the visitor economy has been haemorrhaging almost $2.5 billion per month in Victoria and will require $1.3 billion in ongoing support over the next few years if the State is to retain its position as one of Australia’s most desirable and visited tourist destinations.

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