AFTA is advising members that the Australian Federal Government has extended the current travel ban in place for Chinese Nationals entering Australia.
On Friday 14 February 2020, the Government extended the ban for a further seven (7) days. AFTA says that while the DFAT travel advisory to China remains at the Level 4 – DO NOT TRAVEL, no other country has had its travel advisory lifted as a result of COVID-19 (coronavirus). AFTA notes that this development suggests the Federal Government agencies believe the virus does not pose any risk to outbound travel that would otherwise be taken by Australians (including cruise departures).
“While the Tourism industry continues to be in a heavy pain point with the devastation of Bushfires and impacts from the travel ban from China, the Federal Government’s response with a record additional investment of $76 Million to help the tourism sector deal with the challenges of recovery is now well underway, and it may take some time to fully assess the impact of this investment.
“The industry appreciates this investment at a time when it is needed and we will work with all of the government agencies to capitalise on this activation.
“The need to keep Australians safe from COVID-19 is paramount and we continue to work with many government agencies as plans and responses are considered and implemented. The Federal Government continues to keep both the industry and the Australian travelling public well informed about the risks and key areas of concern.
“Once the Coronavirus travel ban is lifted, the industry stands ready to respond and encourage our China visitors, be they visiting friends and relatives or tourists to come and experience the Australia that they have been missing.
“Key to the travel bans being lifted as soon as medically appropriate, is to give Australian travellers total confidence to re-engage in travel and to continue with their plans to take a holiday be it in Australia, overseas or on a cruise.”
