Decline in travel likely to hit jobs
THE Cairns tourism sector could lose about 1800 jobs as coronavirus eats into the region’s economy.
Tourism Tropical North Queensland CEO Mark Olsen said the number was a “worst case” projection as the peak Cairns tourism lobby group crunched grim numbers for the year ahead.
“By March 31 this could be costing our region up to $5.5 million a day and that can cost real jobs,” Mr Olsen said.
“A worst case could be as many as 1800 jobs affected.”
His discussions with the Premier yesterday focused on shoring up the industry that accounts for one in five jobs in the Far North.
By March 31 we are looking at 30 jobs a week not being sustained in the tourism sector,” Mr Olsen said.
“We know that a lot of small businesses, whether they be in freight, food or retail, are directly affected when visitor numbers are down.”
Exporters and tourism operators are dealing with a “double whammy” of lack of income and outstanding debts.
“The conversation yesterday was very much in support of building destination awareness, letting people know what we have on offer here … and a recognition that aviation capacity is essential,” Mr Olsen said.
He called for unity and cooperation by Far North exporters to build key economic triggers.
“This is the time for the major export industries to pull together,” Mr Olsen said.
He said strong business cases need to be made to secure aviation support and destination awareness reinforced for events and tourism.
“We need to focus our efforts on the domestic market,” he said.
Meanwhile, a retired Palm Cove couple remains quarantined on a luxury cruise ship in the Port of Yokohama, Japan.
Paul and Jacqueline Fidrmuc were on board the Diamond Princess with nearly 4000 other passengers – all in lockdown with 20 confirmed cases of coronavirus.
Two of the cases being treated on mainland Japan are Australian citizens.
Mr Fidrmuc, now on day two of a 14-day enforced stay on board the Diamond Princess, said morale among fellow passengers was still relatively positive despite many being eager to return home.
“Everyone is quite upbeat … I’d rather be here than on Christmas Island; they are the ones who are really suffering,” Mr Fidrmuc said.
“This is a hotel room but we’re just locked in.”
Patient zero – the man who brought the virus on board the ship – embarked in Tokyo on January 20 when the Fidrmucs did. He disembarked at Hong Kong on January 25.