Tasmanian tourism and hospitality industries shocked by extended state border closures until December 1

A decision to extend Tasmanian border closures until at least the start of summer stunned many industries, and one business has spoken in detail of the challenges it will pose for their operations.

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THE Tasmanian tourism and hospitality industries were left stunned by the announcement to keep the state’s borders closed until at least December 1, representatives say.

For Philip and Andrew Fuglsang, the co-owners of the Salamanca Inn, Premier Peter Gutwein’s decision made due to coronavirus fears came as a blow for the business.

In recent months, the brothers have made significant investments into the refurbishment of the inner-city building, including the launch of Birdsong restaurant in June.

“If we knew it was December 1, we probably wouldn’t have considered doing what we’ve done to this stage,’’ Philip said.

Philip said the business, which has been family-owned and operated since 1988, had been substantially affected by COVID-19 and associated restrictions, including gathering limits and maximum density requirements.

Salamanca Inn also has 60 hotel rooms and facilities to host conferences, but both those elements of the business have suffered significant downturn.

Philip said the extended closure of the borders was a shock, and the brothers said the decision had also taken peak industry groups by surprise.

Andrew said with borders closed to all states and territories for at least three and a half months, the state should consider easing some internal restrictions.

Andrew and Philip Fuglsang, operators of the Salamanca Inn speak about how the continuing border restrictions will impact their business. Picture: LUKE BOWDEN

“We’re sort of trapped in a restriction world and we feel like we can’t prosper within our own community because of these restrictions,’’ he said.

“And we see no need to have these restrictions when we’ve created this (COVID-free) bubble in Tasmania.”

The venue on Wednesday hosted a networking event of the Hobart branch of Skal, which is an international network of tourism and hospitality business leaders.

Former Premier Will Hodgman also attended.

Branch president Issabel Eaves, who runs the visitor centre on the Spirit of Tasmania vessels, said extended border closures “wasn’t a big surprise but it was still nonetheless disappointing”.

“It’s a moving target all the time for our industry and we certainly weren’t expecting this at the beginning of the year,’’ she said.

“It was meant to be the biggest year that tourism had ever had in Tasmania.

“It’s been a really challenging time for everybody but I think we are all optimistic that if we all support one another, we all stay safe, stay connected and stay strong, we will get through this and come out the other end.”

Skal Hobart, which has 97 member businesses, donated $4000 to Loui’s Van, an outreach service run by St Vincent de Paul Society which feeds the homeless and hungry.

Loui’s Van coordinator Simon Terhell said it was “extraordinary” that the hospitality and tourism industries — which have been hit hard by coronavirus — had supported the service in such a way.

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