Douglas Shire's tourism industry in ecstasy over border announcement with international tourists returning
INTERNATIONAL TOURISM
The reopening of Australia's international borders is tremendously welcomed by our region’s struggling tourism industry.
Two days ago Australia's Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced that borders will reopen to double-vaccinated visa holders from February 21.
Responding the the announcement, Tourism Tropical North Queensland Chief Executive Officer Mark Olsen said that the Tropical North Queensland tourism industry has been waiting for two very long years to get back to business.
“We have seen more than $2 billion stripped from our regional economy while international borders were closed and now we can begin the slow and expensive process of rebuilding key markets”, Mr Olsen said.
“This will require tens of millions of dollars of investment by governments and the industry to get the industry on the road to recovery and drive aviation partnerships while maintaining domestic share.”
Tara Bennett, Chief Executive Officer of Tourism Port Douglas Daintree, said the international border opening is the final green light they needed to confidently believe the industry is ready to enter the recovery phase.
“The past two years have been the toughest our region and it’s economy have experienced”, Ms Bennett said.
“We are very fortunate to be coming out the other side with all our key experiences still in place. This will be critical going forward to cater to the needs and expectations of both international and domestic travellers.
“While the future looks bright, we are starting well behind with our operators kicking off cash poor for marketing activity while destinations such as Tahiti, the Maldives and Europe have been open for some time.
“The industry requires support to fund our international re-entry and we are joining TTNQ in calling on the federal government to include a retry funding package to reaffirm our position in the international market.”.
Deputy Mayor Lisa Scomazzon said that it is exciting news to have the international borders opening back up for overseas tourists to enjoy our beautiful region.
“We have so much to offer for the international tourists to enjoy such as a day on the Great Barrier Reef, a visit to the Mossman Gorge and a walk through the beautiful rainforests”, she said.
“After the last two years the tourism industry in our Shire has been hit hard, the opening of the international borders will bring back a great boost for our Shire and businesses will deliver the exceptional service that they always deliver to the tourists that visit our Shire.”
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