The positive reactions to NSW’s big international travel news continue, but not all industry figures are happy
The overall response to the NSW government’s big international travel announcement on Friday has, unsurprisingly, been a very positive one, but not all industry figures are dancing in the street.
The airlines were very quick to respond, with Qantas bringing forward the restart of its international flights by two weeks to 1 November 2021 after the federal and NSW governments confirmed borders will now reopen on that date.
The flying kangaroo will operate up to five return flights a week from Sydney to London, and up to four return flights a week from Sydney to Los Angeles with its Boeing 787 Dreamliners from 1 November. Qantas also noted that more flights will be added to meet demand, if needed.
Singapore Airlines has opened sales on its flights between Singapore and Sydney for eligible customers.
From 1 November, all of the airline’s 17 weekly flights between the two destinations will be available for passenger sales for those that meet the eligibility criteria.
Virgin Australia has extended its booking flexibility to 30 April 2022, with a spokesperson for the airline saying the NSW government’s decision to scrap quarantine requirements for fully-vaxxed travellers was “fantastic news for travellers, the aviation industry and the thousands of businesses and communities in the state who rely on open borders, and the economic injection that tourism provides”.
Keeping with the aviation theme, Holiday Inn Sydney Airport is offering all guests free shuttle bus transfers to Sydney Airport for a limited time in December.
“We wanted to make everyone’s holiday seamless,” said Ben Burns, general manager of Holiday Inn Sydney Airport.
“There are so many other changes with travel these days, but one thing we know we can offer is a memorable start to your holiday in a clean, fresh and inviting way.”
Accommodation Association chair Leanne Harwood said the NSW government’s decision will allow hotels that have stepped up to protect the community to once again return to their primary function.
“Our sector stepped up from the very beginning to protect our communities by supporting the governments’ isolation program in every state and territory so that returning Australians, medical frontline workers and Australia’s most vulnerable had somewhere safe to stay,” she said.
“Our heroes, the amazing people who work in hotels, willingly put their own health on the line to allow this to happen, and their contribution and bravery through this period deserves acknowledgement.”
However, Harwood said the reality is that the ramp to recovery for hotels and accommodation is a long one.
“The loss of skills from the hospitality industry throughout the lockdown periods has meant we don’t currently have a large enough workforce to allow us to quickly open to pre-COVID levels,” she said.
“Without international students and workers, the journey ahead will be a long one, and government support is critical.”
Australian Federation Travel Agents chief executive Dean Long said the association was looking forward to receiving more details on how the NSW government’s international travel restart will roll out practically.
“The elimination of the quarantine requirement is one of the biggest barriers to international visitors wanting to come to Australia, along with airline seat caps,” he said.
“Even with today’s announcement, the runway to recovery for Australia’s travel sector is a long one.
“Australia’s travel agents and businesses have been in hard lockdown for more than 600 days, and until airlines and cruise capacity return to normal levels, which won’t be before the second quarter of 2022, we will continue to be in lockdown.
“The 30,000 Australians who work in Australia’s travel sector and the 3,000 agencies and businesses who employ them urgently need ongoing government help so we can keep providing travelling Australians with the expert support they need.”
Meanwhile, one of the travel industry’s biggest names, Flight Centre supremo Graham “Skroo” Turner (main picture), said the NSW government’s move to scrap quarantine for international travel is “effectively useless to the economy if that doesn’t include foreign tourists”.
“Our clear message is that if Australia doesn’t open up to the world this year, we’ll lose all the high-yielding international tourists we’ve spent years targeting to countries like South Africa, parts of Europe, the Caribbean – and all the other places that are open for no-quarantine tourism,” he told The Australian Financial Review.
His comments come after Prime Minister Scott Morrison clarified NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet’s announcement, noting that Aussie citizens, residents and their immediate families are the only ones who would be permitted to dodge hotel quarantine – not international tourists.
However, the Cruise Lines Industry Association (CLIA) was full of optimism on Friday, thanks to the NSW Premier’s eagerness to restart the cruise sector, with Perrottet noting that he was “in discussions right now with the federal government” to bring back cruising.
CLIA’s managing director for Australasia, Joel Katz, said that after months of persistence, it’s clear there’s a positive change in the discussions the sector is having with governments around cruising.
“There’s now a clear will to make progress towards a careful resumption of cruise operations in Australia,” he said.
“The latest comments from NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet are very encouraging and so we look forward to having further discussions to ensure this is translated into action.
“Given the progress Australia is making towards reopening borders and reviving travel, it makes no sense to exclude cruising when our industry has committed to the most stringent health protocols to be found anywhere in tourism.”
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
Accommodation Association Australian Federation Travel Agents Ben Burns clia Cruise Lines Industry Association Dean Long Dominic Perrottet flight centre graham turner Holiday Inn Sydney Airport international travel Joel Katz Leanne Harwood NSW Government prime minister qantas quarantine-free travel scott morrison singapore airlines skroo virgin australiaLatest News
Australia fails to make top 10 destination list for American travellers
Australia's top cities have failed to make the grade with American travellers this northern summer, with no local city in the top.
APT Launches 2025 Asia Adventures
APT has launched its Asia Adventures for 2025, including new luxury holidays in India, Sri Lanka and Japan. Five new tours lead guests to the highlights of India, including a seven-night cruise along the rarely travelled Lower Ganges aboard the Ganges Voyager. Further south, Sri Lanka’s greatest destinations are revealed on a new 15-day Land […]
ANZAC Battlefield travel on the 2025 bucketlist
As Anzac Day dawns, agents prepare for a surge in bookings for the 110th anniversary of the Anzac Cove landings.
Former Channel 9 Getaway host and founder of TRIBE Jules Lund to speak at Travel DAZE
From blond-tipped travel reporter to Travel DAZE speaker, Jules Lund cuts through the BS.
HX’s Roald Amundsen finds aliens in the Antarctic
Forget whales, HX's MS Roald Amundsen captures aliens in the Antarctic - and they're not pretty.
Mayhem in France as 70% of flights face cancellation
I mean it wouldn't be France if there wasn't at least one strike.
Etihad Airways launches double-decker service with world’s only in-air three-room suite
We imagine falling asleep in the three-room suite is superior to falling asleep on your neighbour's shoulder.
Norwegian Cruise Line launches 2024 Europe travel season
Europe certainly has a lot of ports. Its time for Australia to up its game.
“The power of travel for positive change” – Intrepid’s Jenny Gray hails controversial all-women Saudi Arabia trip
There is an awful lot to love about this tour from Intrepid. Where do we sign up?
Princess names the Sun, unveils Sanctuary Collection + Star Princess to Alaska in ’26
A huge bottle of Veuve was smashed into the side of the ship to make things official. So no, we couldn't snag a glass.
Collette special offers across peak northern summer season
If you are craving a trip to Europe then grab this deal with both of your grubby hands.
Air India and All Nippon codeshare between the two countries
Here at TW we agreed that the photo would have worked better if they had swapped planes.
A&K offers minimum 18 weeks paid parental leave
Contrary to what the photo suggests this benefit is only applicable for humans. Back to work Mrs Jumbo.
NH Hotel Group rebrands as Minor Hotels Europe & Americas
Hang around the bends of the hotels. We imagine they will be full of a lot of branded content.
Scenic Eclipse II – the business of creating unforgettable life-changing memories
These cruise brothers from another mother offer a view of cruising on Scenic Eclipse II that is poles apart.
MSC builds new hospital ship with Mercy Ships
If you want to read a story that puts a smile on your face then this is the one for you.
“I peed on myself watching this” – Social media users squirm at Royal Caribbean’s Harmony of The Seas 55ft dive video
TW is not responsible for any involuntary actions your body might have after watching this video.
FLIGHT REVIEW: Qantas Boeing 787 Dreamliner business class
The real bonus is you're unlikely to be around screaming children. Hoorah!
Traveltek offers travel agents new rapid deploy cruise website
As always, if you have any issue with the platform, just turn it off and on again.
Experience whale watching & classical music at the Australian Festival of Chamber Music in Townsville
Disappointedly, the whales do not start singing in tune with the orchestra. Opportunity missed.
Fond, very Fond. London hotel famed for James Bond link adds ‘Classic Comforts’ lunch menu
James Bond author Ian Fleming was so fond if this hotel, it inspired the legendary phrase ‘shaken, not stirred’.
What sets Eclipse Travel apart with Africa expert Hilary Dubyk: Travel Weekly TV
If you want to know more about Africa, then Hilary Dubyk is your person.
Surge in Australians visiting Japan
Feel like all of your friends have just returned from Europe? Now it's Japan.
Seabourn announces Western Kimberley Traditional Owners as Godparents of Seabourn Pursuit
Seabourn has named Western Kimberley Traditional Owners, the Wunambal Gaambera, as Godparents of the ultra-luxury purpose-built Seabourn Pursuit. It is the first cruise line to appoint Traditional Owners as godparents of a ship. Seabourn Pursuit embarks on its inaugural season in the Kimberley region this June. The naming ceremony will take place on Seabourn Pursuit’s […]
Sydney named 17th best place to work remotely
If you struggle to get a seat within Sydney's coffee shops, you now know why.
W Melbourne grows sales team
We appreciate the thought that has gone into this team photo.
Cunard welcomes new ship Queen Anne
This might be the most impressive ship handover in ship handover history.
Intrepid Travel appoints Yvette Thompson as general manager sales & marketing ANZ
It isn't end-of-day Monday and Yvette Thompson has already nabbed herself an impressive promotion.
Anna Fawcett re-joins Global Touring in newly-created APAC role
With such an impressive CV, Global Touring is no doubt thrilled to have Fawcett back.
“We know our response has been far from perfect” – Emirates’ open letter following Dubai flooding
If you also need to write an apology letter, then this is a pretty good template.
Malolo Island Resort opens brand new Spa
Fiji’s Malolo Island has added another string to its bow – opening its $1.3 million day spa on Thursday, 18th April 2024. (Lead Image: matriarch Rosie Whitton with spa staff) Located at the edge of the resort’s luscious patch of tropical rainforest, the new “Leilani’s Spa” adds another level of elevated experiences to Malolo’s already […]
Virgin Australia’s HILARIOUS second instalment of the ‘Bring on Wonderful’ campaign
We don't use the word 'hilarious' lightly, but this is worthy of the title.
Visit Sunshine Coast reveals new brand identity
If you were looking for another reason to visit the Sunshine Coast then this is it.
Sofitel launches brand campaign starring Sex Education’s Gillian Anderson
We can confirm the content of this video is less spicy than Sex Education.
Holland America Line gives agents the chance to visit Alaska on 11-day Famil
If you've ever wanted to see a Polar Bear (and who doesn't?), now is your time.
More than 65 luxury agents gather in Sydney for Best of the Best dinner
This looks like a fabulous do. We imagine there may be a few (or maybe 65) sore heads this morning!