‘Get rid of other blocks’
Businesses expecting test-dumping rush. Now to ...
ACCOMMODATION and hospitality operators expect “phones to be ringing off the hook” following the state government’s decision to ditch the strict Covid testing regime on travellers.
Now they want all restrictions lifted so the city can get back to pre-Covid domestic levels and claw back some of the $4bn lost in the pandemic.
Paradise Resort general manager David Brook said the requirements and “five-day testing had really pushed a lot of people’s patience and we are thrilled that it’s now over”.
“It’s fantastic news and we can now expect the phones to be ringing off the hook with more people wanting to make holiday bookings.”
However, he said he had received calls from a number of “distressed” holiday-makers, some of whom were “in tears over the pressure” to have all requirements in order for their stay in Queensland.
“It’s been a total debacle. The gates are open and the horse has already bolted so in my opinion it’s time to let it all go (the requirements).
“We’ve had a number of people postpone or cancel their trip from interstate airports over scrambling to get their positive test result in time for their flight.
“But it is busy and we are very grateful for that. The truth is if we don’t make money now we won’t be here next year.”
Salty’s on Cavill co-owner Jake Vigor said it was time to give people the “opportunity to go back to living somewhat normal lives”.
“What I’d love is for everyone to come back into the venue – vaxxed or unvaxxed. I know it’s a priority for the government right now and we are following the rules but I hope it all changes soon.
“The current influx is good but what we need is for everyone to be involved regardless of their vaccination status. Imagine what the economy could be like again if we got rid of all the requirements.”
Mr Vigor said he attributed underwhelming trade to state government requirements
and five-day mandatory testing queues where “people were spending most of their holiday lining up”.
“It will definitely alleviate concerns for us and now we can really expect trade to ramp up in the new year.”
“Trade has been busier
since the border reopened but we still aren’t seeing the levels we would like compared to last year.”
He said the mandates had been “incredibly tough” on his business and claimed police were coming into his restaurant to “hassle customers” not
just on their vaccine status.
“We’ve had police in here questioning diners just based on the way they look,” he said.
“There was one instance where police came during a busy service and searched a group of two men because they had tattoos.”