Queensland border opening: Tourism leaders welcome December 1 border reopening
Gold Coast tourism leaders have welcomed the State Government's decision to reopen the Queensland border on December 1, describing it as an early Christmas gift for the city's biggest industry.
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Gold Coast tourism leaders have welcomed the State Government's decision to reopen the Queensland border on December 1, describing it as an early Christmas gift for the city's biggest industry.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk announced on Tuesday morning that residents from greater Sydney would be allowed to cross the border from next Tuesday.
A decision on Victoria is still pending but an announcement is expected to be made on Wednesday after the southern state effectively eliminated the virus.
Destination Gold Coast chairman Paul Donovan welcomed the news as an "early Christmas gift" for struggling traders ahead of the busy summer holidays period.
“This news is fantastic with a capital F,’ he said1
“We have been waiting for this for many months and it will allow people to finally come to their favourite destination and reunite with family and friends which has been so difficult this year.
“We are talking about 5.3 million people who can now access the Gold Coast their holidays this December and January.”
Destination Gold Coast modelling estimates show that COVID-19 has cost the city $3.5 billion in tourism expenditure, a decline of 60 per cent when compared to 2019. There was a 49 per cent drop in visitors, or around seven million fewer tourists.
Had Greater Sydney, the Gold Coast’s largest source of domestic overnight visitors, remained closed throughout summer, it was feared the city could potentially lose up to 175,000 visitors, worth an estimated $225m in visitor spend.
Mr Donovan said operators would now have the time to prepare for the busy summer season.
"We are in touch with the airlines and are ready to go and I would hope we are about to get a flood of bookings," he said.
"Christmas has come early for everyone on the Gold Coast, from theme parks to hotels and restaurant and I know everyone will be relieved because this will deliver a real shot in the arm."
Mayor Tom Tate said he was delighted by the news.
“Ho ho ho.. it’s off to the airport they go,’’ he said.
“I know our city’s 66,000 small businesses will welcome this announcement. I want New South Wales residents to ‘break the record’ and visit our city in record numbers over Christmas and New Year.
“It has been a tough road for all of us and I know the Premier has had to hold back and be guided by the State Chief Health Officer throughout.
“Let’s now celebrate and I hope are smiles are even wider tomorrow when the Victorian decision is made.’’
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