Queensland Tourism Industry Council welcomes further easing of COVID-19 restrictions

The Queensland Tourism Industry Council (QTIC) has welcomed today’s announcements by Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk about the next stage of eased COVID-19 restrictions for the state.

QTIC has been advocating strongly for an easing of restrictions on the basis of strong evidence that the spread of the virus was being very successfully managed and ‘the curve’ having been flattened.

QTIC Chief Executive, Daniel Gschwind noted “today’s announcement will bring enormous relief for tourism operators right across the state who have been waiting desperately for some good news.

 “Bringing forward the opening of travel for the whole state and the relaxation of allowable numbers in hospitality venues was the right decision by the Premier.

“It will allow tourism businesses to confidently start the long road to recovery with a prospect of rescuing at least part of the winter season”.

Travel will be allowed throughout the state from Monday 1st June and maximum customer numbers in venues will be significantly increased.

Gschwind added “with all of Queensland’s destinations accessible again, we hope bookings will stream in from Queenslanders eager to get out of the confines of their homes. The school holidays will now offer a real opportunity for tourism operators to get their businesses going again.

State borders will remain closed for the immediate future with the Premier expected to review this status in the coming weeks.

Gschwind continued “this has been a devastating time for the tourism economy and the communities that depend on it. We are relieved that successful health management has now brought about an accelerated timetable for the easing of restrictions. Now we are just hoping that the opening of state borders will not be far behind.

QTIC in collaboration with industry partners and health professionals is providing health guidelines and tailored checklists for tourism operators to offer COVID-safe tourism and hospitality services for both customers and workers.

Gschwind said tourism operators were committed to delivering best practice, not just in quality experiences but also when it comes to the health and well-being of customers.

“These resources are available on the QTIC website awaiting approval by the Chief Health Officer. You can also now access the voluntary business tool COVID-CLEAN in the Quality Tourism Framework platform. Completing this tool will allow you to use the COVID-CLEAN logo and checklist for COVID19 Business Cleaning Policy and Procedures.”

Image courtesy of Adrenalin Dive, a member of QTIC.