Townsville Enterprise anticipating big boost for business as doors open for new Covid normal
Townsville Enterprise expect the certainty provided by recent announcements surrounding Covid restrictions to boost business.
Townsville
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Townsville Enterprise has welcomed the state government decision to open borders early, saying the move provides certainty for businesses ahead of major changes to restrictions.
Townsville Enterprise CEO Claudia Brumme-Smith described the announcement as welcome news for both the tourism and hospitality sectors.
“Opening the border four days early extends the opportunity for people to visit our part of Queensland ahead of Christmas.
“We’re hopeful this will flow through to bookings for our accommodation, hospitality and tour operators, and provide a further boost to our current occupancy rate of 40-60 per cent.”
Ms Brumme-Smith says her organisation is expecting strong results for the business and hospitality sectors heading into the new year.
“With inaugural flights commencing next week, and inbound numbers early next year projected to be above pre-Covid levels, we are optimistic for our region’s future and will stand by our operators to navigate our way toward this new Covid normal.”
The hospitality sector is preparing for December 17, when changes to restrictions will remove occupancy limits for patrons who are double vaccinated.
Under the new health directive, unvaccinated residents will be unable to visit pubs, clubs, sporting events and similar venues.
Ms Brumme-Smith said businesses around Townsville had been working around the clock to ensure they were ready to accommodate the new restrictions.
“Our region of Townsville North Queensland has been working hard to incorporate the state government restrictions into their businesses since the announcement.
“Our operators continue to prepare for the border reopening as best they can to leverage what we expect to be a better-than-average summer period.”
The state government recently offered business owners free training courses and signage to help transition to the new situation, which Ms Brumme-Smith says has been welcome support for operators who are still figuring out how to implement the directions.
“There continues to be some questions around the application of the restrictions, but we continue to support and interpret the Queensland Health directives and information resources.”
In addition, Health Minister Yvette D’Ath has announced harsh fines for deliberately spitting, coughing or sneezing at hospitality workers, as well as further training for businesses on how to handle aggressive patrons.
An on-the-spot $1378 fine will be handed out to anyone in breach of the new rules for abusing staff, with possible jail time if they’re convicted in court.
Originally published as Townsville Enterprise anticipating big boost for business as doors open for new Covid normal
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