Greater promotion of the state’s regions and further lifting of restrictions are needed to give intrastate tourism a lift as holidays are once again back on the approved list, says Tourism Accommodation Australia.
TAA National CEO, Michael Johnson, congratulated the NSW state government for loosening restrictions on holiday travel, effective from 1 June, so that travellers could embark once again on journeys within the state. However, he added that while it was a great step, more restrictions needed to be lifted in order to maximise the impact for local businesses.
“Enjoying a meal out is something almost all travellers enjoy,” Johnson said.
“The Government needs to be looking at safely lifting more restrictions on dining – particularly those in areas which have never had a case of COVID-19.”
June 1 will see the state-wide limit on patrons within a venue lifted to 50, albeit with strict social distancing and contact tracing measures implemented.
“Hotels in the regions are excited to finally see travel opening up again and have been provided with the TAA NSW re-opening check-lists on how to re-open safely.”
Johnson also encouraged Sydneysiders to treat themselves to a night out in the city including an overnight stay in a CBD hotel, advising there were no longer restrictions on stays in a Sydney hotel.
“For Sydneysiders who are seeking an overnight escape from home after weeks of being locked-in there’s been no better time to treat yourself to a night in a local hotel,” he enthused.