ATEC welcomes announcement of International borders reopening

October 3, 2021

Tourism /

The Australian Tourism Export Council has welcomed the announcement of the reopening of international borders beginning next month. The announcement confirmed restrictions will be lifted in November for fully vaccinated Australians on all inbound and outbound travel from states that reach the 80% double vaccination rate.

While yesterday’s announcement is focused on travel for fully vaccinated Australians, this step will pave the way for the restart of inbound travel. The industry is keen to see this commence by March next year, providing an opportunity for the inbound tourism industry to start recovery.

ATEC Managing Director Peter Shelley advises “while the announcement is the first step in the reopening, giving the green light to Australian’s wanting to travel overseas, it marks a shift in thinking within both the Government and community sentiment to re-engaging with the world.

“This is the start of the long road to recovery for a tourism industry which has taken a $100 billion economic hit according to research released by Tourism Research Australia this week.

“It’s critical that the Government now provides clarity around the policy decisions impacting the restart of inbound travel and to extend financial support for the damaged tourism export sector.

“As these businesses attempt to harness their limited remaining finances and dramatically reduced staff to rebuild in readiness for attracting and servicing international visitors in the future, they will continue to require support from all levels of government.

Shelley adds “as we move towards fully open borders the tourism industry will have to work though the many challenges and changes which will come with greater movement including vaccination verification, quarantine and testing requirements as well as rebuilding a decimated workforce and reconnecting with international markets.

“International visitors have been a vital part of Australia's tourism success and many businesses have invested heavily in building the kind of product which connects with international guests and this announcement will give those businesses some hope of recovery.

The announcement on reopening has been made possible due to the positive vaccination rates taking place across the country and aligns with the national transition plan out of the pandemic and back to greater individual freedoms and economic activity.

Image: Tourism WA Lake Kununurra

1st October 2021 - Australia to open international borders from November

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20th September 2021 - Australian Regional Tourism critical of governments’ piecemeal response to COVID

10th September 2021 - 2021 World Tourism Day set to celebrate inclusivity

13th August 2021 - ATEC continues to highlight that tourism regions are struggling to survive

11th August 2021 - ATEC and Beyond Blue partner to support wellbeing of tourism businesses across Australia

4th August 2021 - ATEC supports COVID vaccinations to prevent more lockdowns and reopen the economy

19th May 2021 - ATEC and Tourism Australia encourage export businesses to participate in Korea Host program

27th April 2021 - ATEC tours state and regional branches to discuss restart strategy

8th March 2021 - ATEC highlights the impact of declining inbound tourism on regional communities

21st December 2020 - ATEC welcomes Dan Tehan as Australia’s new Federal Tourism Minister

24th November 2020 - ATEC to provide COVID Ready training for New Zealand based tourism businesses

18th November 2020 - ATEC to deliver its annual Meeting Place program as a hybrid event in 2020

10th November 2020 - ATEC highlights that tourism exporters need JobKeeper support until international borders reopen

19th October 2020 - ATEC expands its program supporting Australian tourism exporters to attract domestic visitors

7th October 2020 - ATEC welcomes Federal Budget support for tourism industry

27th September 2020 - ATEC concerned over lack of government funding to support inbound tour operators

21st September 2020 - ATEC aligns with WTTC Safe Travel protocols

23rd June 2020 - ATEC warns domestic travel not a simple fix for Australia’s tourism industry

13th May 2020 - ATEC highlights the harsh reality of a tourism industry in crisis

30th April 2020 - ATEC part of new Tourism Restart Taskforce to strengthen industry COVID-19 response

22nd April 2020 - ATEC considers diverse and competitive airlines to be critical to Australian tourism

6th March 2020 - ATEC highlights the ongoing threat of Coronavirus to export tourism industry

2nd March 2020 - ATEC remembers tourism innovator James Kwan

17th January 2020 - ATEC emphasises the need for positive messages to international tourists

28th November 2019 - ATEC recognises outstanding industry achievements for 2019

4th October 2019 - ATEC launches program for WA tourism operators hosting Japanese visitors

19th November 2018 - Tourism leaders gather in Darwin for ATEC’s Meeting Place

28th July 2018 - ATEC sees continued need to keep getting inbound tourism right

10th May 2018 - ATEC welcomes budget boost for regional tourism

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