Tourism Restart Taskforce wants business events under 100 back by July

The Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s (ACCI) recently formed Tourism Restart Taskforce has finalised a schedule suggesting business events under 100 pax should return by 1 July.

The Tourism Restart Timetable lays out a restart schedule for tourism, hospitality, travel and business events activity.

The Taskforce’s proposed Tourism Restart Timetable outlines suggested dates for both tourism and business event activity.

Jenny Lambert, Director of Tourism at ACCI said the schedule, while “aspirational” will be used to push for specialised restart dates for business events and other key tourism activity.

“The timetable assists in focusing the attention of key decision-makers on the points of restart that go beyond what has already been announced by national cabinet and the State and Territory Governments,” Ms Lambert said.

“We will continue the positive engagement to date, and push for more certainty, as we know it is what tourism and events businesses desperately need.”

Geoff Donaghy, CEO of ICC Sydney represents the Business Events Council of Australia (BECA) on the Taskforce, but isn’t the only voice for the MICE industry at the table said Ms Labert.

“Geoff represents BECA, but there are also a range of other voices on both the Taskforce and Tourism Committee in support of business events, including Martin Ferguson from Tourist Accommodation Australia and also Bruce Baird who is chair of Business Events Sydney,” Ms Labert said.

“The Taskforce has placed the issues of business events high on its list of priorities, and has directly engaged with key influencers such as the Chair of the National COVID Coordination Commission on the need for business events to be given more certainty for its future timetable.”

The Timetable also suggests business events over 100, domestic travel and international travel to “COVID safe” countries should be available by 10 September.

Event Organisers has been informed the dates outlined in the Tourism Restart Timetable are being proposed to Government, and discussions are ongoing.

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