Leaders say region sorely needs interstate tourism

TOURISM leaders are calling for further clarification on a partial reopening of the Queensland border, saying strong interstate travel will be crucial in keeping businesses afloat.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk last week announced Queensland would partially reopen to NSW.

Residents from 32 local government areas of Sydney will remain blocked from entering the state.

However, travellers from other areas of NSW will be able to visit from today if they present a valid border declaration pass.

Tourism Whitsundays CEO Tash Wheeler welcomed the news, but said more clarification on when Sydneysiders could travel to the sunshine state was needed.

“Leading into the Christmas period, our industry had hoped to be able to firm up bookings from the metropolitan Sydney area, however, this is a step in the right direction,” Ms Wheeler said.

“On behalf of the Whitsundays tourism industry, I am appealing to Queensland Government to give some clear review dates around the border openings for Greater Sydney.

“The Christmas school holidays are just a blink away, and many of our operators will be relying on interstate travel to ensure their businesses survive into 2021.”

Chief Health Officer Jeanette Young said the state government would review reopening to Greater Sydney at the end of November.

The Premier said NSW residents would be able to travel to Sydney airport and fly into

Queensland. Whitsunday Coast Airport’s Craig Turner said there were flights scheduled from Sydney to Whitsunday Coast Airport from November 10.

The aviation and tourism chief operating officer said if there was high demand, the flights could potentially start sooner.

Jetstar will fly three return flights from Sydney every week.