Australia’s youth tourism industry group, BYTAP welcomed news today that New South Wales (NSW) will remove hotel quarantine for all fully vaccinated travellers through the gateway of Sydney from November 1.

BYTAP spokesperson Wendi Aylward said today’s announcement is the first step towards the return of international travellers. “We look forward to a broader reopen date that will mean the return of the Working Holiday Makers to Australia.”

Ms Aylward said the resumption of the bilateral Working Holiday Maker visa scheme will represent a major step towards the recovery of the youth tourism sector. “We are sadly aware of many businesses who have closed their doors in recent months, and those who are weeks away from taking the same step.” Ms Aylward said while she welcomed the government’s announcements today, she is urgently calling on government to set a date for the reopening of Australia’s international borders. “A date will give the certainty global travel agents need in order to confidently sell Australian travel.”

In the interim the youth sector can take some comfort knowing that youth tourism is expected to be one of the first to return. “Australia is considered to be the number one most desired global youth destination1 and we expect that they will be the first to reach our shores. We need to know the reopen date now to ensure our sector is ready with the welcome mat for the beginning of 2022”.

Media Contacts:

Wendi Aylward
waylward@aifs.com.au
0402 283 783

Brendan McKenna
brendan.mckenna@jucyworld.com
0400 887 117