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The sole hope for international travel for Australians was through the travel corridor between Australia and New Zealand.

However, amid rising COVID-19 cases in Australian states, New Zealand has suspended the travel bubble with Australia. So, what does it mean for Australians? Is the future of the travel industry even bleaker now?

Every year Australians spend thousands of dollars on international travel as they love spending their hard-earned money on exploring the world. Unfortunately, the pandemic has twisted the ways of travel and made it hard for the citizens to go on tours.

Australia performed well in the battle to tackle COVID-19’s first wave and won New Zealand’s trust. Subsequently, the travel bubble that opened early this year brought a ray of hope for Australians to finally get out of their homes. Despite international borders being shut, they could still visit the neighbouring land.

However, with the new variant of COVID-19, the country has experienced sudden growth in COVID-19 positive cases, especially in New South Wales, Victoria, and South Australia. This has led to the unprecedented suspension of the travel corridor with New Zealand.

ALSO READ: Will the new COVID-19 outbreak in Australia hit New Zealand’s tourism industry?

Image Source: © Flydragonfly | Megapixl.com

Amid rising cases of Delta variant of COVID-19, New Zealand had earlier banned travel with New South Wales, Victoria, and South Australia. Recently, with countrywide rising cases, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced to suspend the travel bubble with Australia for two months.

COVID-19 cases in New South Wales have been drastically rising and may continue to do so. Victoria recently reported double-digit COVID-19 positive cases in a single day. Likewise, cases in South Australia seem worrisome.

Amid these scenarios, Ardern’s office announced that for the next seven days, there will be managed return flights for New Zealanders from all states and territories that will require proof of a negative pre-departure test.

GOOD READ: New Zealand-Australia travel bubble terminated, Airline group asks for wage support

The Australian government needs to take stringent measures to curb the effects of the new coronavirus variant as it is riskier and has a direct impact on the lives of Australians.

Meanwhile, Ardern has affirmed that they are committed to the travel bubble and will resume it as soon as the situation gets better in Australia. The Australian Government is also updating the quarantine guidelines of the returned overseas travelers.

Image Source: © Dawidkalisinski | Megapixl.com

The travel bubble implicated a surge in flights, hotel bookings. Unfortunately, its recent suspension means that the Australian tourism industry could again slide downhill. The tourism industry is crucial for the country’s growth and development, and most importantly, it is essential for providing the best tourism experience to the citizens.

Additionally, the suspension of the travel bubble is likely to imply financial losses to the aviation industry. Qantas and Air New Zealand announced that from July 31, most flights between Australia and New Zealand would be canceled. Only essential flights will be taking place.

The new variant of the virus has shown drastic effects on the Australian tourism industry. Many hotel and travel agencies solely relied on the travel bubble for international travel. However, that path has also become steep now.

However, there is a silver lining- if the Australian government takes immediate steps to get the situation under control, the corridor will reopen sooner than later.

A report by KALKINE MEDIA