MEDIA RELEASE
For Immediate Release
31 May, 2020
The North Queensland tourism and hospitality industry have welcomed the State Government’s decision today to ease travel and gathering restrictions within Queensland.
Tourism Whitsundays and the four Regional Tourism Organisations (RTOs) partners representing the Cairns, Townsville, Mackay, and Outback regions submitted a proposal to Premier Palaszczuk last week to fast track the reopening of the tourism and hospitality industry.
Tourism Whitsundays Chief Executive Officer Tash Wheeler has praised Premier Palaszczuk and her government on the decision to fast track the easing of Stage two restrictions.
“This Whitsundays is one of the most reliant destinations on tourism in the country; this decision shows the Premier has listened to regional Queensland and understands the challenges faced by our industry, it was imperative we had an easing in restrictions ahead of the upcoming holidays.
“Today’s decision is a huge win for our local economy! I would like to extend our thanks for the Premier for taking our proposal on board, and taking the right, measured steps, to get tourism re-started not only in our region but across the state.
“We’ve seen many businesses temporally shut down, and employees stood down from work. I believe Today’s announcement is the start of a new positive much-needed step for our community.
“In the background, our operators have been working hard to ensure their businesses meet the new COVID safe requirements in anticipation for an announcement like we’ve had today. The Whitsundays is ready!” She said.
The new restrictions will see an easing of the non-essential travel boundary throughout Queensland and increases to the gathering allowances to 20pax (per area of dining venues) effective midday tomorrow (1 June).
Key points:
- Stage 2 of roadmap expedited, effective midday tomorrow (1 June)
- Unlimited travel and overnight stays for all of Queensland
- Dining in or seated drinks in restaurants, cafes, pubs, registered or licensed clubs, RSLs, hotels and casinos (no gaming) for up to 20 patrons per defined area (indoor or outdoor)
Jeff Aquilina General Manager of at Hotel Group said he was thrilled with today’s announcement and believes this is an important step forward for tourism and hospitality businesses.
“The easing of restrictions means we can start returning people to work as safely and as quickly as possible.
“We’ve already seen a huge impact, with an immediate increase in booking activity, Queenslanders are excited to start moving around the state again, these have been very uncertain times, I think we all deserve a holiday in paradise,” he said.
For more information about please visit www.tourismwhitsundays.com.au
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FOR MEDIA ENQUIRIES, CONTACT:
Liza Muller
Publicity and Content Manager
Tourism Whitsundays
Ph: +61 7 4948 5917 or +61 417 765736
Email: liza.muller@tourismwhitsundays.com.au
To access the Tourism Whitsundays Media Centre click here.