Tourism businesses need to focus on complying with COVID-19 workplace laws as the state prepares to reopen its borders, says a peak tourism body.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Last week Premier Peter Gutwein announced the state would reopen its border subject to public health advice on July 24.
Tourism operators, who have been decimated by the coronavirus shut down, welcomed the move.
In other news:
Tourism Northern Tasmania chief executive officer Chris Griffin said it was important operators were putting procedures in place to comply with COVID safe work practices.
"The first thing is for the industry to be compliant and to be able to illustrate that compliance in a positive way - [to] promote their places as safe places for visitors," he said.
He said securing direct flights to Tasmania was always the goal for the tourism industry, but operators should remain realistic about the number of travellers who will be coming into the state.
"We have to be realistic about airlines and their capacity to recommence operations and that returning to the capacity we had in February won't be switched on overnight," Mr Griffin said.
"We just have to be realistic about how many visitors will be coming into the state against how many airline seats are available."
On Sunday, Lyons MHA Guy Barnett said securing direct flights was a top priority for the government.
"We already have direct flights from other states and I know that the government and the Premier, in particular, is pursuing further discussion with airlines," he said.
"We've obviously wanted to protect the health and welfare of Tasmanians, but we want to keep our economy operating and rebuilding."
Melbourne Airport chief of Launceston Andrew Gardiner said when the time comes Launceston was ready to welcome back travellers.
He said work was being done to ensure the safety of everyone at the airport.
"We have rolled out additional measures through the terminal precinct areas," Mr Gardiner said.
"Our cleaning regime has also increased, and now there's hygiene products, including hand sanitiser in busy areas such as check-in and security screening, plus we have installed physical distancing markers throughout Arrivals and Departures to ensure passengers are spaced accordingly.
"We have been working across the terminal precinct to ensure all workers including retailers, check-in staff, and baggage handlers have completed COVID safe training and have COVID safe plans."
Sign up to one of our newsletters: