Federal Group gearing up to reopen hotel doors across the state

Some of the state’s biggest hotels will soon reopen as Tasmania’s COVID restrictions continue to ease. Find out when the venues are open again >>

TASMANIA’s largest hospitality and tourism group is gearing up to welcome back both guests and thousands of staff members.

Federal Group announced in March it would be closing the doors to most of its businesses at the height of the coronavirus pandemic, following Prime Minister Scott Morrison announcing on March 22 that restaurants, casinos, and pubs needed to shut.

Now, Wrest Point general manager Andrew Fox said they were excited to reopen.

“It’s been a long three months,” he said.

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“Everybody misses their workmates and is looking forward to welcoming our guests back when restrictions lift on June 26.

“Things are going to be a little different now, with the extra measures we’ve put in place to keep everyone safe, including new Play Safe Clean Teams that will constantly roam the property and make sure everything is sanitised.”

Mr Fox said a mass of signage had been put up, and all staff were completing online COVID-19 safety training before returning to work.

“It will be a long time before things are back to normal, and we have to scale up according to demand, and have restrictions related to social distancing,” he said.

“Things like gaming, accommodation, events and a lot of our restaurants rely on interstate visitors, so we need the borders open before they’re fully operational.

“We’re just excited about opening the doors again, and we’ve had a really positive response from our guests about Wrest Point reopening.”

All gaming areas at the casino will be reopening.

Only every second pokie machine will be operating, with machines to be sanitised after each use.

There will be no poker, but some table games will be open, with limits and constant sanitation between players.

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Keno and TAB facilities will also be up and running, but there will be changed procedures around betting slips and the use of pencils.

Mr Fox said there would be reduced hours for some outlets, and that the hotel itself and The Point Revolving Restaurant would not reopen until July 3. The buffet and coffee shop and the Birdcage Bar will remain closed for now.

Also opening on June 26 is Launceston’s Country Club.

Saffire Freycinet reopened its doors on June 19, and MACq1 and the Henry Jones Art Hotel will reopen when border restrictions are lifted.

To encourage Tasmanians to holiday at home, both Wrest Point and the Country Club will be offering a 20 per cent discount on two night stays, with room prices starting at $95.