Andrews roadblocks the return of international tourists to Victoria

Daniel Andrews is again working against the tourism sector in Victoria with talk of international tourists to Victoria having to be triple-vaccinated, in spite of Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) advice.

ATAGI advice currently states that two doses of an approved Covid vaccine meets the definition of fully vaccinated for the purposes of international travel.

This comes off the back of the Federal Government’s effort to stimulate the sector by announcing fully vaccinated travellers from overseas will be welcomed from 21 February.

Tourists coming to Australia will be required to be double dosed as per ATAGI advice. However, Andrews is once again looking to create his own set of rules for Victoria, requiring tourists to also have a booster.

This is despite the current requirement for Victorian residents to be double vaccinated, with no mandate at this point, for a booster shot.

After 263 days of lockdowns, the longest in the world, Melbourne has lost its crown as the most liveable city, the tourism industry has been brought to its knees and thousands of jobs in the industry have been lost.

The tourism industry has suffered immensely during the COVID-19 pandemic. We need to focus on bringing tourism back to Victoria and help tourism companies get back on their feet.

The return of international tourism to Victoria will give the industry the boost it needs thrive again. They cannot deal with another blow.

The Victorian events and tourism industries employs more than 320,000 people, hosts more than 12,000 events a year and contributes more than $44 billion a year to Victoria’s economy.

Comments attributable to Shadow Minister for Tourism, Cindy McLeish:

“Victorians’ celebration of Australia’s borders reopening after almost two years of restrictions has been cut short.”

“Once again, Andrews shows his lack of regard for the businesses in this sector by making Victoria one of the most difficult places to live, visit and rebuild. While the rest of Australia will be welcoming overseas tourists, Victorians will be shut out.”