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In line with the overwhelming feedback we have had from industry, QTIC’s call is very simple: maintain the momentum of the government’s Roadmap to easing Queensland’s restrictions, announced only two weeks ago.
The roadmap gave operators not only a sense of hope but also a plan to prepare their businesses, work with staff and get ready with some purpose. Unfortunately, the recent messaging and speculation about state border closures to September and beyond have utterly destroyed this optimism.
I had an opportunity to speak with the Premier earlier in the week and QTIC has written to her today, stating our hopes clearly.
We also reminded her in the letter that last year, domestic tourism alone in Queensland generated $1.6 billion of expenditure per month or $53 million per day. That is the amount of income lost to thousands of businesses for every day while visitors stay away. Neither the operators nor their staff can sustain such losses for much longer.
The letter reassures the Premier that we support her in the effort to keeping Queenslanders safe, and the success of the measures is impressive, but the government must also keep us viable and allow us to re-build a future. We will continue to urge the Premier to commit to implementing Stage 3 of the Roadmap without delay unless there is overwhelming and compelling scientific evidence to prevent this.
Further delays would also significantly undermine our competitive position compared to other states in capturing the benefits of the expected resurgence in domestic tourism.
We thank you for all your feedback and suggestions.
Kind Regards
Daniel Gschwind
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