NT hospitality representatives back tourism plea for national COVID lockdown strategy

A national strategy to deal with lockdowns and coronavirus assistance is needed to support Australia's hospitality industry, the Australian Hoteliers Association and Hospitality NT says.

A NATIONAL strategy to deal with lockdowns and coronavirus assistance is needed to support Australia's hospitality industry, the Australian Hoteliers Association and Hospitality NT have said.

In a letter sent to state, territory and federal government leaders the AHA called for “a consensus on how to provide co-ordinated, targeted, temporary assistance to those workers and businesses forced to give up or restrict their livelihoods to keep Australians safe”.

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The letter said businesses and workers were the real victims of coronavirus hot spots, clusters and breakouts, while state, territory and federal governments quibbled over the best means of response.

Hospitality NT chief executive Alex Bruce said the uncertain nature of the virus meant the industry could be hit hard at any time.

“The recent Brisbane outbreak has made it clear lockdowns, hot spots and border closures can continue throughout 2021 irrespective of the vaccination rollout,” he said.

“Every time this occurs we lose bookings but also depress travel confidence.

“Fear of border closures is now significantly higher than fear of COVID infection.”

Mr Bruce said without JobKeeper, there was no commitment for targeted temporary assistance to affected businesses and workers hit hard due to hot spot declarations.

“There appears to be finger pointing by the commonwealth and the states and territories as to who should provide support and who is delaying the vaccination rollout,” he said.

“We feel like the ham in the sandwich and across the country are calling on both levels of government to work together for the benefit of us all.”

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Chief Minister Michael Gunner confirmed he had received the letter from the AHA.

He said he understood the importance of the hospitality industry to the economy and society but keeping the virus out was the top priority.

“The best thing we can do for our tourism and hospitality sectors is keep COVID out and keep the Territory open, and that is what we are doing,” he said.

Originally published as NT hospitality representatives back tourism plea for national COVID lockdown strategy