Tourism operators ready to thrill overseas visitors

The imminent return of international tourists is giving tourism operators something to cheer about after a lean two-years.

Cairns Tourism representatives Scott Garden, Phoebe Urquhart Kereru, Nikki Giumelli and Ben Woodward. Picture: Brian Cassey

After a miserable two years, Australia’s tourism operators finally have something to cheer about, with an announcement on the ­return of international tourists imminent.

Cairns-based business owners were among the most excited over an impending relaxation of restrictions, after most of their customers were locked out of the country as a result of bans imposed in March 2020.

Bad Fishy jet boat operator Nikki Giumelli said the mood in tropical north Queensland had changed perceptibly in recent weeks as domestic visitors poured in, with the internationals soon to follow.

“It’s really what we’ve been waiting for,” she said. “Tropical north Queensland has had such success with international markets in the past, we’re really excited at the prospect of overseas visitors returning and to start marketing to those destinations.”

Adding to the positivity was the support from fellow Australians rediscovering their own backyard because of the pandemic and ongoing uncertainty about overseas travel.

Even as the world began to open up, there were still major impediments to visiting several countries, including Bali and New Zealand.

Bali “reopened” to Australians on February 5 but the condition of five days’ hotel quarantine had resulted in few bookings. New Zealand was not set to reopen until July, with the con­dition of 10 days’ self-­isolation for visitors.

Visit Sunshine Coast chief executive Matt Stoeckel said the region was definitely seeing more travellers seeking alternatives to those overseas favourites.

Many hotels were booked out for Easter, and Mr Stoeckel said there was particularly strong demand from those seeking health and wellness experiences.

“Our marketing has targeted travellers who want more than just a beach, and we have focused on nature-based experiences, food and craft beers, spa and wellness escapes and soft adventures such as trekking and cycling.

“We believe there is potential to grow that market on the Sunshine Coast even after inter­national travel resumes.”

Cairns was also seeing a surge in domestic visitors, with operators hopeful of that continuing even as international borders were further relaxed.

Ms Giumelli said she expected a lot of Aussies would not feel comfortable going overseas for another six to 12 months, creating more business for tropical north Queensland. “There’s still a great opportunity in the domestic market while Aussies see how this (reopening) plays out,” she said.

“We’ve had a lot of guests sharing their experiences with friends and families and then rebooking or planning to return.”

Although Ms Giumelli and fellow Cairns operators Scott Garden and Ben Woodward were eagerly awaiting the return of overseas visitors, they were now more positive about the future then they were six months ago.

Mr Garden said he was looking forward to a busy peak season in winter for his Passions of Paradise reef tours after two difficult years. “We’re seeing a lot of people jumping coming up to Cairns for a long weekend or short holiday,” he said. “That’s likely to complement any reopening to international visitors. The people I’ve been speaking to overseas are very keen to jump on a plane and see Australia as soon as borders open.”

Importantly for operators like Mr Garden, as tourists returned so would workers. “About 40 per cent of our staff (pre-Covid) were international travellers,” he said.

Originally published as Tourism operators ready to thrill overseas visitors