The festive season is almost here, and Australians seem ready to fulfil their tourism fantasies. However, the new normal suggests that travel during this end-of-year holidays would not be the same. COVID-19 infection continues to lurk around in several parts of the globe. Consequently, people might need to count on another holiday to tick-off international destinations pending in their bucket list.
Nevertheless, life in Australia has its perks, and its attractive travel destinations are a part of the package. A country with the infection situation under control, Australia appears to stay ahead of the curve, propelling citizens Down Under to enjoy the charisma of awe-inspiring domestic sites.
Even when the option for international travel is pretty much out of the picture, an eager wait for Santa on the Christmas tide in one of Australia’s domestic scenic spots sounds fun and most importantly, COVID-19 safe!
Let us explore a few factors backing the domestic travel prospects in Australia amidst the holiday fervour.
Gifting Holiday This Season
The Christmas Holiday spirit has been catching up with the people, majorly catalysed by the domestic tourism campaigns run by Travel Australia. The latest campaign aligning with the gifting tradition of Christmas has kicked off, prompting Australians to gift a holiday or travel experience to others this festive season. The state borders are expected to open soon with the primary focus on encouraging domestic tourism.
ALSO READ: ‘Now is the Time’: Melbourne Airport launches campaign to woo travellers
©Kalkine Group 2020
National Borders Reopening
After nine months of stringent lockout, Western Australia has finally opened its borders for the residents of Victoria and New South Wales. The event marks the country’s gradual movement towards the pre-pandemic scenario. The recent relaxation in the inter-state border controls would also mean that people arriving from NSW and Victoria can join those from other states (except South Australia) in entering WA without having to meet 14-days of quarantine requirement.
However, while some states continue to put restrictions on entry from South Australia, state border restrictions are expected to be completed eliminated (subject to control over the infection scenario). Notably, the opening of state borders is expected to rejuvenate the vagabond spirits of the travel-savvy Aussies.
Travel Agent Support Package
The Government continues to patronise the hard-hit travel sector, which now appears to be on the road to recovery. For instance, a $128 million worth travel agent support package was recently announced. Besides, the Government will be offering a one-off payment to travel agents with a turnover between $50000 to $20 million, with the payments accordingly scaled from $1500 to $100,000.
Tourism Minister Simon Birmingham stated that travel agents have been processing refunds for bookings cancelled during the pandemic. At the same time, their business scenario continues to remain adversely impacted. The financial assistance has been garnered towards ensuring the sustainability of the sector and ensuring COVID-safe travel.
Travel Stocks Rally
The growing optimism around domestic travel scenario seems to be reflected across the Australian stock market, with several travel stocks attracting the interest of investors.
For instance, shares of Qantas Airways Limited (ASX:QAN) marked an uptick of over 15% in the past one month while Webjet Limited (ASX:WEB) shares edged up by more than 30% (as on 8 December 2020).
ALSO READ: Virgin Australia Offers Attractive Deal to Frequent Flyers, goes a step ahead of Qantas
©Kalkine Group 2020
The Star Entertainment Group Limited (ASX:SGR) indicated that with the relaxation of restrictions in NSW and Queensland, The Star Sydney held by the Group could increase patronage from the current maximum.
While the international travel scenario remains hazy, Australian domestic travel emerges as an attractive alternative, not only quenching the travel desires but also remaining easy on the pocket. Meanwhile, the country is gradually picking up the pace of economic recovery. Discussion around vaccine development and availability are also fast-tracked.
Having said so, a much-needed getaway could ensure a quick boost to both psychological and financial well-being of Aussies!
Source: Kaline Media
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