Western Australia will reopen its borders to international visitors on February 5, 2022.
The news follows an announcement earlier this month by the WA government of a new AU$185 million (£100 million) Reconnect WA package.
The fund will help the aviation industry to re-establish international and interstate services that were disrupted by the pandemic, as well as targeting new routes.
UK agents and operators will also benefit from additional marketing investment, helping them to learn about new developments and secure bookings.
When the borders reopen on February 5, the following groups will be able to enter WA quarantine-free: double-vaccinated immediate family members of adult Australian citizens and permanent residents, and double-vaccinated working holidaymakers.
All visitors to WA will be required to return a negative PCR test result within 72 hours before departure, within 48 hours of arrival to WA and on day six.
These interim testing arrangements will be subject to an ongoing review.
The Australian government recently announced plans to allow vaccinated skilled migrants, international students and working visa holders entry from December 1, before suspending the move to December 15 because of the emergence of the Omicron variant.
The chief executive of Visit Victoria, Brendan McClements, said last week that there is a political desire to reopen and a commercial rationale to help address workforce shortages in areas including hospitality.
He said there was “increasing synchronisation” between the Victorian, New South Wales and federal governments over the reopening and required Covid-19 protocols.
Picture by totajla/Shutterstock
More: Visit Victoria chief believes Australian reopening delay will be short-lived