SA and NSW hospitality sector call for easing of COVID restrictions

Hospitality sectors in South Australia and New South Wales have called on authorities to throw the tourism and accommodation industries a lifeline by further easing COVID-19 restrictions.

Australian Hotels Association South Australia CEO, Ian Horne, said he wanted hospitality capacity doubled to 50 per cent.

“We’re urging the Premier not to sit back and review and take time,” Horne said.

“There needs to be action as soon as possible to preserve and restore the tens of thousands of jobs that have been trashed and many businesses, particularly small businesses, that are on the brink.”

South Australian Premier, Steven Marshall, said that the falling case numbers were a sign that the state was “moving away from that peak” of Omicron cases.

The increased restrictions came into effect on December 26 in the face of rising Omicron cases around the state.

The state government flagged reducing restrictions ahead of the year, once South Australia reached 90 per cent double dose vaccination rate for people over 12.

Tourism Accommodation Australia (TAA) and the Accommodation Association said the extension of restrictions in NSW for another month will leave many accommodation hotels struggling to survive without government support.

The decision to extend the restrictions on Tuesday means that hospitality venues will still have to operate at the one person per two-square-metre rule, masks must be worn in all indoor settings, QR code check-ins will remain and singing and dancing will not be permitted.

TAA CEO Michael Johnson said while he understood the NSW government’s stance and the need to prioritise health, the sector was struggling to cope.

“It is going to be another difficult month with the recommendation for people to work from home, no dancing or singing, no night clubs and the two square metre rule for indoors,” Johnson said.

“This will ensure Sydney stays very quiet for another month with hotels already running at less than 30 per cent occupancy and haemorrhaging money each week.”

Accommodation Association CEO Richard Munro said the industry understands decisions have to be made in a crisis, but they come at a cost.

“We understand the decision, but these decisions come with consequences,” Munro said.

“A hit to consumer sentiment is a direct hit to our members business and there is literally little to no support.”

A poll by Tourism Accommodation Australia conducted last week found 82 per cent of NSW members had been forced to limit their services, included by capping occupancy and closing bars and restaurants.

Just under 80 per cent of businesses faced chronic labour shortages at 69.7 per cent reported extremely low occupancy rates at 39.4 per cent.

Featured Image: iStock/macniak

SA and NSW hospitality sector call for easing of COVID restrictions

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