Counting shutdown costs on tourism

AUSSIE tourists abandoned Queensland faster than international travellers as coronavirus began to strike.

New data to be released today reveals almost $1 billion was lost as tourists from home and abroad bunkered down when flights stopped and lockdowns came into force.

It includes $505 million lost due to one million fewer Aussies taking holidays in the state and $404 million lost from the drop in international travellers, according to Tourism Research Australia.

NSW, Victoria and South Australia all lost more money from the overseas travel market, rather than local holidaymakers.

The June quarter is expected to be even more dire, as it will show the full impact on the international and state border shutdowns. It will add to the pressure for the Federal Government to develop a rescue package for the crippled industry or keep JobKeeper running after September.

Tourism Minister Simon Birmingham said it was vital the Australians who were in a position to do so take holidays in Australia because it could keep someone in a job.

“All Australians owe thanks to tourism businesses and employees who have borne the brunt of restrictions to keep us safe from COVID-19,” he said.

“Our priority right now is getting Australians travelling to parts where we have successfully suppressed the spread of COVID-19.”

The Morrison Government has indicated there would be some form of continued assistance for the tourism sector after September, acknowledging it was one of the first hit, and the last to recover.