ATEC responds to NSW Government announcement on lifting of quarantine

The Australian Tourism Export Council has advised that last Friday's announcement by the NSW Government on the lifting of quarantine for international travellers from 1st November is the key the Australian Tourism industry has been desperately waiting.

ATEC Managing Director Peter Shelley notes “Australia's tourism industry has borne the brunt of international border closures with many businesses suffering with no income since March 2020.

“This announcement not only gives tourism businesses their income back, but also lets the world know they are welcome back in Australia. 

“While NSW tourism businesses will be ecstatic to see borders reopen, tourism businesses in other states will continue to suffer from both domestic and international travel restrictions which are stifling their income and threatening their future.

Shelley said Australia has lost billions of dollars in visitor income over the last 20 months, income which supports tourism businesses and thousands of communities across the country with economies that feed off the tourism industry.

“While hotel quarantine has helped to protect our country from the worst of the COVID pandemic, now is the time to start to re-engaging with the rest of the world and working to return the value the tourism industry brings to our economy.”