Finally, Australia’s tourism industry can hit the Go button

Internationally focused Australian tourism businesses can breathe a sigh of relief and finally begin the long path to rebuilding their markets with today’s announcement that our borders will open after close to two years. 
“Australian tourism businesses will rejoice in the news that our borders will reopen to all international travellers on 21 February,” ATEC Managing Director Peter Shelley said today. 
“It’s been a long hard and desperate road for every tourism business across the country and we have lost many along the way, but this news will give those who have survived a clear target to work towards and a start point for the rebuilding of the industry. 
“With close to two years with our borders closed our industry has lost tens of billions of dollars in export revenue and we welcome the border reopening as an opportunity to regain some of Australia’s tourism market share. 
Mr Shelley said while the border reopening was the top priority for the industry, the damage has been devastating and every part of the industry will need support to reboot successfully. 
“Australia is an incredible destination and one that enjoyed a place at the top of the global travel bucket list prior to covid closing our borders back in March 2020, and we can see a strong future for our industry. 
“While other destinations are already back online and welcoming visitors, Australia has been off the global destination list for quite some time and there is significant pent-up demand as we look forward. 
“But the challenge for our industry is to meet this demand successfully and that will involve tourism businesses rebuilding their lost capacity, product, service skills and supply chains. 
“Given the tourism industry has taken a devastating hit to its skills base, experience, expertise and global sales networks, we urge the Government to outline a significant funding commitment to our industry in next month’s budget as a sign of its support for what has been a hugely valuable economic contributor for more than a decade.”