International tourists are being urged to book Down Under flights, while outbound tourism will get the boost it needs from Easter Monday, April 18 after restrictions are further eased in a bid to reboot Australia’s pandemic-ravaged travel sector.
Nearly two years of border restrictions have crippled the once-thriving industry.
However, the federal government now hopes easing travel rules will entice more visitors to make the trek.
While international travellers will still need to be fully vaccinated, from April 18 they will no longer require a negative PCR or RAT test result to board a flight to Australia.
Naturally, the same goes for Australians returning home after an overseas trip.
Health Minister Greg Hunt says the rule will be dropped, like the ban on cruise ships ending on April 17.
Meanwhile, on Friday, Australia’s largest airline has launched a campaign to showcase the country as a prime international destination.
The Qantas ads feature iconic local landscapes, while the country’s sporting and cultural stars sing I Still Call Australia Home with members of the Australian Girls Choir, National Boys Choir and Gondwana Choir.
Group CEO Alan Joyce says a new version of the Peter Allen classic will be the carrier’s anthem.
“The full version of this advert is effectively a short film that highlights Australia’s stunning natural beauty and unique culture while celebrating the incredible resilience that has really shone through recently,” he said.
Virgin Australia has today launched its ‘Back to Holidays sale’, with 1.5 million fares from as low as $45 plus a bonus 25 per cent discount on sale fares booked for children aged 2-11.
The sale is on now until midnight 4 April 2022 with fares available on every domestic and international market operated by Virgin Australia for travel between 27 July 2022 and 14 December 2022.
A spokesperson for Virgin Australia said of the current demand for travel, “We are really excited about the demand coming back into the market. Already passenger booking volumes are tracking above pre-COVID levels and we know our sale is only going to help provide another healthy boost to travel demand which is great for our people and the broader tourism economy.”
Trade Minister Dan Tehan on Friday officially announced new support for the tourism trade.
The government will provide $75.5 million for travel agents and tour arrangement service providers to continue to operate and re-book travel credits.
A further $60 million over three years handed out to state Tourism boards will entice more visitors from new international markets, including additional support for the Business Events bid fund attracting major events to Australia.
