Business welcomes open plan

THE first stage in the opening of Tasmania’s borders has gained the broad support of the business and tourism sectors, describing it as measured and sensible.

State borders will open to COVID-safe South Australia, Western Australia and the Northern Territory from August 7 under a plan announced on Friday by Premier Peter Gutwein.

And while unimpeded travel between NSW, Queensland and coronavirus-ravaged Victoria is not yet possible, the Tasmanian Chamber of Commerce and Industry said the travel bubble was an important first step.

“Boosting tourism is one of the key steps to growing Tasmania’s economy,’’ chief executive Michael Bailey said. “Tasmania’s economic recovery will be driven by the business community and [Friday’s] announcement lays out a clear pathway to revive the tourism and hospitality sector.”

One business welcoming the imminent return of tourists is Hobart restaurant Suzie Luck’s, whose owner Kif Weber commended the government’s “balanced and measured approach”.

“I think it strikes a good balance,’’ he said. “Obviously we would all like more tourists here, but not at the expense of a shutdown. The main thing is we all need to be conscious of keeping Tasmania safe. The Premier has taken a hard line and I think that’s been a good line, and the last thing anyone needs is a Melbourne [like] outbreak.”

Suzie Luck’s reopened on July 14 after three months, and Mr Weber said it would be “very tough” if a secondary shutdown occurred due to a coronavirus outbreak.

Tourism Industry Council of Tasmania chief executive Luke Martin said the industry welcomed the Premier’s cautious approach.

“Tasmanians travelling around the state since local restrictions were lifted have been so good to our local operators, but we know the intrastate market is finite,’’ he said. “The challenge now lies with Tourism Tasmania, the airlines and airports, to secure direct flights to these states as they each open up.”