Australia’s announcement of the reopening of its borders is “symbolic” of international travel’s wider return to normality, according to travel agents celebrating the ‘real break-through’.
The Australian government announced today that the country would reopen to fully vaccinated international travellers from February 21 after almost two years of strict Covid-19 restrictions.
And Tourism Australia said it will be launching a new push to welcome tourists back to the country in the coming weeks.
Julia Lo Bue-Said, chief executive of the Advantage Travel Partnership, said: “After almost two years of closed borders, the news that Australia is reopening its borders to fully vaccinated travellers feels rather symbolic – as one of the countries that has had some of the toughest measures on travel, this feels like another positive step in the right direction.
“As the world starts to reopen, and with a key destination like Australia finally removing its Covid-19 border measures for vaccinated international travellers, families can start to reunite, businesses can re-engage face-to-face with their clients and the travel industry can start helping their customers plan.”
Steve Norris, EMEA managing director for Flight Centre Leisure, said new of Australia’s reopening date is “a real breakthrough and cause for celebration”.
Pre-Covid, 16% of Flight Centre UK bookings were to Australia. The current rate is 18%.
Norris said: “Following two years of family separations and missed events, we’re expecting a wave of travellers to head down under to revisit friends and family, and even book a bucket list trip after two years of lockdown.”
Jo Sully, vice president and regional general manager, Asia Pacific at from American Express Global Business Travel, said: “Re-opening the border signals Australia’s return to world stage.”
Agents and consumer groups warned that different destinations within Australia may have different entry requirements.
“This needs to be made really clear so that anyone travelling to Australia can plan accordingly,” said Lo Bue-Said. “Australia is only welcoming fully vaccinated travellers which will continue to complicate travel for children over 12 who have not received their second vaccine dose.
“Travel remains complicated and it has never been more important to seek the advice of a trusted travel agent to help book your trip and navigate the various travel restrictions.”
Norris, who said Flight Centre has helped more Australians return to the country than any other travel agency in the last two years, agreed.
He added: “We highly recommend booking with an expert travel consultant, who will be on-hand with the latest, trusted travel advice as soon as it becomes available.”
Rory Boland, travel editor of consumer group Which?, pointed out that travellers will need to obtain a visa showing they are fully vaccinated before visiting the country and advised travellers to check states’ individual entry rules.
“International travel remains unpredictable and anyone booking a trip abroad faces the risk of losing money if rule changes mean they can no longer travel,” he said. “The best way you can safeguard your money is by booking a package holiday, as these come with stronger financial protections, and only use accommodation providers or airlines with flexible booking policies.
“A good travel insurance policy will continue to be essential, and it’s also advisable to book with a credit card to give yourself further protection.”