Tasmanian tourism jobs still in limbo due to coronavirus pandemic

Tasmanian business owners say the uncertainty over border restrictions will likely deter interstate visitors even into next year.

TASMANIAN tourism operators weighing up whether to reopen for a locals-only market say they feel like they are in a state of limbo as they try to predict the future.

“If the demand is there for us to hopefully break even, we will start operating with an intrastate market, but we need the numbers,” tour operator and industry stalwart Robert Pennicott said.

Robert Pennicott. Picture: ZAK SIMMONDS

Mr Pennicott is waiting on guidelines around transport to know whether he will have to impose social distancing on his buses and boats that operate around the Tasman Peninsula, Bruny Island and Coles Bay.

“I would be asking for an equal playing field between commercial transport, the airlines and public transport,” Mr Pennicott said, noting that social distancing is not required on public transport or the major airlines.

“If it is safe for airlines and public transport, it should be equally safe for commercial buses and boats. If it isn’t safe, then no one should be allowed to do it.”

MORE: WHAT COVID-19 RESTRICTIONS HAVE BEEN EASED THIS WEEK?

Par Avion owner Shannon Wells said the airline would offer special deals for locals to fly to the South West Wilderness.

Par Avion owner, Shannon Wells. Picture: ZAK SIMMONDS

But Mr Wells said uncertainty over border restrictions would likely deter interstate visitors even into next year.

“If I knew we had a definite date when I could say to our interstate customers ‘We’re flying again’ then I would use my suppliers and start spending money on marketing and the website, but at the moment I’m holding on to every dollar I’ve got because I have to pay my staff,” Mr Wells said.

Fiona Moses, who owns boutique hotel The Granary at Cressy, was in a similar position, with interstate guests making up 90 per cent of her bookings since opening in early 2019.

Tourism operator Fiona Moses. Picture: SUPPLIED

“The bills still have to be paid and the overheads don’t go away and until I know when people are coming, and if they are coming, it is hard to weigh up how much to spend on marketing,” Ms Moses said.

“It’s sad because I was really starting to gain momentum and it’s really stopped me in my tracks.”