Hotel industry basking in open border optimism

Wednesday, November 3, 2021

After at least 18 months in proverbial darkness, the hotel industry is bursting through into the light and ready to get back to business around Australia.

Australia’s leading hotel operators have issued collective praise at the speed and agility Australians have shown in their willingness to get vaccinated and get back to their lives with a strong desire to travel both domestically and overseas.

The plaudits come following NSW Premier, Dominic Perrottet, bringing forward planned freedoms and relaxing restrictions for fully vaccinated residents from 1 December to next Monday 8 November, in a move designed to kick start the economy.

Tourism Accommodation Australia CEO, Michael Johnson, said the changes have come at the perfect time and the industry was ready to welcome people once again around the state.

This change means our restaurants, bars and conference facilities can begin operating again at a profitable level, he said.

Elsewhere, Victoria has surpassed its own 80% fully vaccinated threshold and is swiftly moving towards 90%, due in late November, when all limits on gatherings, capacity and density will no longer apply.


South Australia is currently operating under its lowest restrictions before all are removed. At the same time, detailed road maps towards border openings have been released by Queensland, Tasmania and Western Australia.

Australians love to travel and customers are telling they can’t wait to get moving again, said Accor Pacific CEO, Simon McGrath.

Marriott International Area Vice President, Australia, New Zealand and Pacific, Sean Hunt, said the company has been supporting the community since the pandemic hit in March 2020.

Hilton Vice President Operations Australasia, Heidi Kunkel, said the company was ready to safely welcome travellers to its hotels and venues.

IHG Hotels and Resorts Managing Director Australasia, Matthew Tripolone, said it was exciting that states and territories were certain enough on the vaccination take-up to be able to bring the industry back to life.

The opening of state borders will be the next big boost, but after a two-year absence the biggest celebrations will be reserved for the first plane loads of non-quarantine international arrivals.

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