Traveling Blog: Essentials… Coronavirus update from Tourism Australia’s Managing Director

Wednesday, March 18, 2020

Essentials… Coronavirus update from Tourism Australia’s Managing Director

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18 March 2020

Coronavirus update
Today, the Prime Minister announced a series of new measures to protect the Australian community from the coronavirus. These measures are expected to last for six months or more and will have an enormous impact on our industry. They are constantly under review, so we will continue to update you with new information as it occurs. A summary of the latest restrictions can be found here. In light of the new restrictions, Tourism Australia has regrettably taken the decision to cancel the Australian Tourism Exchange (ATE) due to take place in Melbourne in May 2020. Tourism Australia will be providing a full refund of registration fees to all buyer and seller delegates. Tourism Australia looks forward to hosting ATE next year and will announce the details on the 2021 venue and dates shortly. We are reviewing all future events on an ongoing basis, including talking to partners and will share updates as relevant. The Prime Minister noted that whilst domestic air travel is low risk, Australians should only consider travelling when it is essential. We will keep you posted as new information becomes available. We also wanted to take this opportunity to thank you for your ongoing support during these difficult times. Now more than ever we must pull together to ensure the long-term viability of our industry. It is a time for us to support each other and look out for our friends and colleagues. I know many businesses are suffering and our thoughts are with you. Please do reach out and ask for help if you need it. Phillipa Harrison

Steps businesses can take

Make sure you are following health and safety guidance from the Department of Health.
Communicate what health and safety measures you are taking in your business to your customers and partners.
The Department of Health has launched a national campaign to inform all Australians about the coronavirus. They have developed a range of resources for businesses to use, find out more here.
The Australian, State and Territory Governments have announced a series of measures to support businesses and individuals during this difficult time. Find out more here.
Look after your mental health and reach out if you need help.

Cancellation of events and travel

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has issued advice for consumers and businesses if events, flights or travel services are cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic, or if people wish to cancel their travel plans. Click here for more information.

Airline information

The Australian Government announced today a $715 million aviation industry relief package. The package involves the refunding and ongoing waiving of a range Government charges on the industry including aviation fuel excise, Airservices charges on domestic airline operations and domestic and regional aviation security charges.

Virgin Australia today announced it will be suspending all international services until 14 June 2020. It will also be operating reduced domestic services. More information can be found here.

Yesterday, Qantas announced that from the end of March 2020 onwards, they will be reducing international capacity by around 90 per cent and domestic capacity by around 60 per cent until the end of May 2020. More information can be found here.

Commonwealth National Parks now offering free entry for travellers

Visitors will now be able to access iconic Commonwealth national parks for free, with entry fees waived for Uluru-Kata Tjuta, Kakadu and Booderee National Parks from 16 March to 31 December 2020. Visitors can experience spectacular wildlife and vast landscapes ranging from white sand beaches, to wetlands and the Red Centre. The new initiative looks to support local tourism operators by getting more tourists into these spectacular parks and regions. For more information or to book a pass visit www.parksaustralia.gov.au.