AR
UR
Australia on Monday fully reopened its international borders for vaccinated travellers after nearly two years of closure due to the pandemic. Tourists are returning to the country and people are reuniting with their family and friends with the resumption of travel services.
Over 50 international flights are arriving in the country in one day, with more than 25 touching down in Sydney. Tourism and hospitality sectors are also looking to rebuild their economic activities after facing a massive setback due to COVID-19 restrictions.
“It is a party out here, music playing, smiles on people’s faces, they will be dancing soon, I’m sure,” Tourism Minister Dan Tehan said, while speaking to broadcaster ABC. At the Sydney airport, he welcomed travellers with a jar of Vegemite, an essential Australian staple, and stuffed Koala toys.
Tehan pointed towards a strong rebound of the tourism market as Qantas Airways Ltd aims to fly more than 14,000 passengers into Australia this week.
Worth more than A$60 billion ($43 billion), tourism is one of the biggest industries in Australia, employing about 5 percent of the country’s total workforce. However, the sector was disrupted due to pandemic-related restrictions imposed by the Australian authorities in March 2020.
“This is an important day for our industry and the first, but most important step in getting Australian tourism back on its feet,” Australian Tourism Export Council managing director Peter Shelley said.
After reaching increased vaccination rates, Australia is getting back on pre-pandemic normalcy. Since November, skilled migrants, international students and backpackers have been permitted to enter Australia in a staggered manner to resume economic activities.
With the borders fully-reopening, Australia’s Omicron outbreak appears to have passed its peak. Hospital admissions are also falling steadily over the past three weeks.
SOURCE: Khaleej Times