“Exciting & welcomed news”: Tour operators react to Australia’s reopening plan

“We are ready to say G'day,” wrote Tourism Australia on its LinkedIn page yesterday (Feb. 7) after Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced that Australia will reopen its borders to vaccinated tourists, without a quarantine requirement, from Feb. 21 this month. 

The relaxed rules will bring back visitors and other visa holders to Australia for the first time in nearly two years and "give certainty" to the country’s "vital tourism industry," Morrison said. 

"If you're double vaccinated, we look forward to welcoming you back," the Australian PM was quoted as saying. 

READ MORE: Australia to reopen borders to vaccinated tourists on Feb. 21

International vaccinated travellers will be required to provide evidence of a negative COVID-19 test to enter Australia. 

This can either be a PCR test taken within three days of departure to Australia, or proof of a rapid antigen test taken within 24 hours of departure.

In addition, travellers are subject to individual state restrictions once they enter Australia, such as if arriving directly into New South Wales, Queensland, or Victoria, which require travellers to undertake a rapid antigen test within 24 hours of arrival and to self-isolate until getting a negative result.

"Exciting & welcomed news"

The easing of restrictions ends some of the world's strictest and longest-running travel rules, and tour operators couldn’t be happier.

Goway, a pioneer in leading tours in Australia, recently reimagined its product line in anticipation of the country’s reopening.

The company has a division of destination specialists dedicated to all things Australia and the South Pacific who can help travellers customize any kind of vacation.

Goway also has an office in Sydney, Australia to ensure that clients have the best experience while travelling Downunder.

The update “brings exciting and welcomed news with the announced reopening of the Australian border to international Globetrotters,” said Bruce Hodge, Goway’s founder and president, in a statement on Monday (Feb. 7).

“Downunder has always been and remains central to our worldwide offering of travel ideas and one of our most popular destination choices for our Globetrotting family of travellers.”

Goway offers more than 300 travel ideas Downunder and offerings are fully customizable and include many small group and private guided touring options. 

READ MORE: Goway revamps Australia packages, focuses on small-group touring

The company also has a dedicated groups division that handles Australian vacations for any groups of 10-or-more travellers.

Check out 56 Reasons to Go Downunder with Goway and watch Goway’s travel service advisory on Australia’s reopening below. 

Travel pros can also increase their travel knowledge by checking out Goway's recent webinar on Australia. 

“It’s wonderful news"

Intrepid Travel is celebrating Australia’s reopening by highlighting its First Nations Experiences.

The company says it has “deepened its commitment” to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, with more than half of trips featuring meaningful First Nations experiences.  

The new tours also include more active and wellness itineraries, as well as trips that highlight local food and wine.

“It’s wonderful news that Australia will be reopening its borders to vaccinated travellers from February 21. Our new trips delve deeper into Australia and its diverse cultures, histories, landscapes, food, wine and more,” said Zina Bencheikh, managing director EMEA.

“Australia is home to the oldest continuing culture in the world. Our First Nations experiences give visitors an amazing opportunity to learn about cultural traditions that have been passed down through the generations for thousands of years.”

The new trips include: Premium Kimberley & Bungle Bungles; Premium Red Centre; Trek the Larapinta Trail; Margaret River and Albany Adventure. 

Read more about Intrepid’s Reconciliation Action Plan here and First Nations Partners here.

Last month, Tourism Australia released a new video, Tune into Aus, to remind travellers overseas of the incredible experiences on offer as the destination prepares to safely re-open to international travel. Watch it here. 

Don't miss a single travel story: subscribe to PAX today!  Click here to follow PAX on Facebook.