ART slams Australia’s disjointed response to regional tourism recovery
Australian Regional Tourism is warning tourism recovery is nothing more than a pipe dream for some regional areas.
ART says the lack of collaboration between State and Territory Governments is crippling the nation.
There is still no clear national long-term strategy says Australian Regional Tourism Chair, Coralie Bell.
"Small business remains at the front line of this ongoing debacle. The opening and closing of state borders and the state-based approach to restrictions is a joke," Bell said.
"Enough is enough. Cities are empty. Any business that is located more than three hours from a major city is empty."
Calling out current piecemeal approaches by states and territories, Australian Regional Tourism reiterated the tourism sector support for health considerations.
"This is not about health and safety. This is about leadership of a country and an ability for states and territories to put aside egos and work across borders for the greater good of Australian citizens."
"If we can’t even get our own backyards straight, how are we ever to return to a place where international visitors feel confident to travel," Bell added.
There is yet to be ‘any real and meaningful action.’
With no coordinated national strategy, there is no ‘pathway to rebuild what once was a $138 billion dollar industry,’ ART says.
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Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
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