Australia’s new outbreak frustrates travel industry
SYDNEY - Last year, when much of the world was in coronavirus lockdown, Australia was successfully hosting international cricket matches and tennis tournaments in front of packed crowds in a show of what postpandemic life could look like.
But in recent weeks, new virus outbreaks, a chaotic vaccine rollout and a tightening of already strict curbs on international travel have rapidly reversed those fortunes.
As crowds in London watch Wimbledon and the Euro Cup football finals, Australians confront new disappointments, with the Melbourne Formula 1 Grand Prix cancelled and holiday plans scuppered.
Unlike last year, business and consumer tolerance for the restrictions and uncertainty is quickly evaporating as Australians witness other countries reopen.
“We are one of only two countries in the world where the citizens aren’t allowed to leave the country, and the other is North Korea, which is not one I’d want to be held up against,” said Rodger Powell, managing director at consultancy Tourism and Hospitality Services Australasia.
“There’s an increasing ground swell of dissatisfaction and frustration with not being able to travel, with the complete lack of certainty,” Mr Powell said.
Consumers, flush with cash, have been forced to cancel holidays within their own country as states shut their borders in response to even minor outbreaks.
Anger is growing around the lack of clarity on when Australia will allow international tourism and migration to resume. Companies regularly complain of labour shortages and universities are crying for international students to return.
“I’m hoping the more we are vaccinated, the more it will allow us to be a little bit more liberal in our quarantine systems, our departure systems,” said Philip Koinis, Sydney-based director of Oxford Travel.