Queensland tourism industry welcomes return of international travel

After almost two years, Queenslanders finally have some good news about the resumption of international travel – and tourism chiefs are “thrilled” to welcome the first overseas visitors back to the Sunshine State.

International travellers can return to Queensland within days as the tourism industry celebrates a major milestone in the march towards normality – but the recovery could still take years.

From 1am Saturday, fully-vaccinated travellers will be allowed to arrive in Queensland without having to endure quarantine in a significant step for tourism’s road to recovery.

Tourism QLD CEO Daniel Gschwind. Picture: News Corp/Attila Csaszar

International visitors injected $7 billion a year into the Queensland economy in the year before the start of the Covid pandemic and operators are desperate for their return to help fill hotel rooms, tour groups and other attractions.

Tourism leaders have cautioned about the immediate impact of the decision to ease restrictions on international arrivals, as airlines will need time to adjust schedules and establish how much demand exists in the midst of the Omicron surge.

However, it still marks an important milestone, with international students and skilled migrant workers now more easily able to return to Queensland to help in tourism’s recovery.

Queensland Tourism Industry Council CEO Daniel Gschwind said operators and travellers could now finally start to plan with some degree of confidence.

“We’ve been waiting for this,” he said.

“It’s very good news.”

The flip side of extra tourism arrivals is that Queenslanders, starved of international travel for two years, may desert the state in droves for their next holiday, but Mr Gschwind said that was not likely to have a significant impact on the industry.

“Initially the pull of people wanting to come or return to Queensland will be stronger than the pull of people wanting to go overseas,” he said.

Flight Centre boss Graham Turner said it was another step towards life after the pandemic.

“Everything seems to be heading in the right direction,” he said.

QT Gold Coast workers Anna Nguyen, Cameron Pollard and Akira Nishigaki celebrating the return of international travel. Picture: Nigel Hallett

The Gold Coast relies heavily on international tourists and QT Gold Coast general manager Dominic Rose said it was a great day for Queensland tourism and hospitality.

“It provides real confidence to our industry, communities and our team who have supported us since international borders closed in March 2020,” he said.

“We are thrilled to welcome back familiar and new guests from all over the globe.”

Despite Wednesday’s announcement, Brisbane Airport Corporation CEO Gert-Jan de Graaff warned that the industry’s recovery would take up to two years.

“Rebuilding international travel into and out of Brisbane Airport will take many months, as we will need destinations for Australians and inbound market nations to reopen,” he said.

“We are not expecting to return to 2019 route and passenger levels until 2024.”

Many airlines are adopting a cautious approach to the resumption of international flights into Queensland.

Qantas has marked mid-March for the resumption of some international routes and despite the positive announcement, the company has so far maintained that time frame.

Originally published as Queensland tourism industry welcomes return of international travel