It is indisputable to note that Australia’s economy significantly depends on tourism. Australia had performed substantially better than other similar economies in battling the catastrophic effects of the coronavirus in the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic.
However, the second wave is taking a massive toll on the Australian tourism industry. The travel corridor, which was the sole hope of international travel for Aussies, was suspended as the COVID-19 cases rose.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison had already announced to keep the international borders closed for the entire 2021 to protect the country from the treacherous Delta variant of COVID-19. However, unfortunately, the country couldn’t protect the spread of the variant. Thus, resulting in the sudden surge of countrywide COVID cases.
Nevertheless, Aussies need not worry. The Australian tourism industry and the government have a lot in the pipeline including beautiful ways to travel the world through safety measures.
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Where might Aussies get to travel first in 2021?
Image source: © Lucidwaters | Megapixl.com
The federal government has not yet announced when Australian borders will reopen for international travellers. But the government has announced that it would move towards forming more travel bubbles for Australians in 2022.
Random international travel for the citizens is still a far-fetched dream, taking into consecration the heart-wrenching conditions in many countries due to the coronavirus. But travellers need not worry as bubbles will be a great substitute for Aussies to quench their thirst for international travel.
Along with reopening the travel corridor with New Zealand, the government is also planning to form new travel bubbles with countries like Singapore and the Pacific Islands in 2022.
According to government announcements, these countries, including the United States, are desperate to form a travel bubble with Australia. However, it would entirely depend on the COVID-19 situation in both countries of the respective travel corridor.
Image source: © Weinelm | Megapixl.com
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The primary condition to establish travel bubbles in 2022
The government officials have asserted that the travel corridors will be established only when Australia can curb its COVID-19 cases. Therefore, the primary factor affecting the decision will be the mass vaccination of Aussies.
The target is to vaccinate 80% of the population by the end of 2021. If the country becomes successful in mass vaccination, the doors for travel bubbles will open soon for Aussies. The Tourism Minister, Mr Tehan, said, “Once we hit that 80 per cent rate by Christmas, we will be able to turn the corner.”
Thus, the government and the citizens need to notch up their work towards mass vaccination. If the industry needs to get on track again, and if Aussies need to see the foreign land once again, vaccination needs to happen on time for all.
It is significant to note the position of Australia in the international tourism industry. For example, the UK still has Australia in its “Green-listed countries” for tourism. And most countries are aspiring to form travel bubbles with Australia. Thus, Australia should take inspiration from their excellent international image and work towards enhancing it.
SOURCE: KALKINE MEDIA
