Tourist bus operators desperate for government lifeline

Tour bus operators desperate to survive after COVID-19 wiped out their businesses have marched on Canberra.

Independent tourist bus operators say they’re desperate for a government lifeline after COVID-19 restrictions smashed their businesses and pushed some close to bankruptcy.

Some 20 buses from around Australia formed a protest convoy outside parliament in Canberra on Monday to demand action from the commonwealth government.

Laura Di Leva, owner of a tour company in Bankstown, NSW, said of her fellow business owners: “Their income has basically been wiped out and they don’t know when it will get better.”

Some 20 buses from around Australia formed a protest convoy outside parliament in Canberra on Monday to demand action from the commonwealth government. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Gary Ramage

“It is devastating. It feels like there is no light at the end of the tunnel. We feel basically helpless, ignored and pushed aside.”

Ms Di Leva, who was involved in organising the protest, said she had heard from many colleagues who had refinanced their home to make payments as maintenance costs and lender demands kept piling up even as the business stood still.

The coronavirus pandemic and the travel restrictions that have been put in place in response have had a major impact on Australia’s tourism industry.

Laura Di Leva, pictured with husband Sal, says tour bus operators feel helpless and ignored. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Gary Ramage

According to the latest figures from Tourism Research Australia, a 53 per cent loss in international tourism cost the industry $12 billion from the start of the year to the end of June. Domestic losses in the same period amounted to $21.7 billion.

“Our industry is not like restaurants or coffee shops that can pivot to offering takeaway. We are pretty much stuck,” Ms Di Leva said

“We were one of the first industries impacted, and we will likely be one of the last ones to recover.”