Border uncertainty 'devastating' for tourism

Transport and Tourism Forum CEO Margy Osmond says the country must live with the coronavirus and not slam borders shut each time an outbreak occurs as it causes uncertainty and lost revenue for businesses. An outbreak on Sydney’s Northern Beaches caused all states and territories to impose border restrictions with New South Wales, with some enacting hard measures. “Clearly we are living with this virus now. It’s not an emergency, it’s something that must be managed and it’s an absolute priority the national cabinet come together and come up with a uniform set of triggers and responses,” Ms Osmond told Sky News. “This uncertainty is going to be so devastating for our industry, but so confusing for travellers.” Ms Osmond said there’s no doubt many tourism operators may not survive this latest round of border closures. “What we’re actually seeing is millions of dollars of cancellations in terms of the accommodation sector.”

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