Queensland government working with tourism groups to ‘fast-track’ a comeback following COVID-19

Minister reassures Queensland’s battered $13 billion tourism businesses that a ‘back to work’ plan will soon be unveiled

TOURISM Minister Kate Jones has moved to reassure Queensland’s battered tourism businesses that a ‘back to work’ plan will soon be unveiled for the $13 billion industry.

Her pledge comes after tourism operators called on the Palaszczuk Government to prioritise a road map to recovery as the lifeblood industry reels from coronavirus losses estimated at $6.5 billion as well as thousands of lost jobs.

Operators have told The Courier Mail it would take weeks to prepare for the ‘mammoth’ task of reopening.

Ms Jones said the Government was working with the Queensland Tourism Industry Council to ‘fast-track’ the COVID-19 comeback in the key sectors of accommodation, aviation, casinos pubs and clubs, food and beverage, events and experiences.

Queensland Minister for Tourism Kate Jones has moved to reassure the state’s tourism industry will have a ‘back to work’ plan soon. Picture: Jono Searle/AAP

She said the Department of Tourism was consulting closely with Queensland Health to provide advice on the relaxation of restrictions over the coming weeks and months.

“Our focus is on giving tourism operators and businesses clear advice and the guidelines they need to reopen their businesses safely when they’re allowed to reopen their doors,” Ms Jones said.

“That’s why we’ve partnered with the state’s peak tourism body to develop back to business plans for the industry.

“We want to give operators as much certainty as we can.

“We know this is a changing landscape but our focus is on making sure we’ve done all the homework so that when we’re allowed to open doors, we’re ready to go.”

Ms Jones said Tourism and Events Queensland was already working on a series of campaigns to promote Queensland once further restrictions are lifted.

An aerial view of coral near Lizard Island, off the Far North Queensland coast.
Ms Jones said Tourism and Events Queensland was already working on a series of campaigns to promote Queensland once further restrictions are lifted. Picture: Brendan Radke

“We want to burst out of the gates as soon as restrictions are lifted,” Ms Jones said.

“That’s why, for weeks, TEQ have been hard at work on campaigns that will ensure Queensland is top-of-mind for prospective tourists who are stuck in isolation and keen to plan their next holiday.”

Queensland Tourism Industry Council CEO Daniel Gschwind revealed the peak industry body had followed the lead of the country’s two largest football codes by employing an independent health expert to consult on back-to-work plans.

An industry-led QTIC working group will guide the development of the plans.

“We want to give the Chief Health Office and the public the confidence that tourism businesses are prepared to provide quality services in a safe environment,” he said.

“Getting back to business will be a process in stages, with different sectors needing specific plans.

“The Government has done the right thing in consulting with the industry and with health experts to ensure that operators are ready to meet the expectations of governments and also the travelling public.”