I’m so glad to be back at the helm of Team Tourism on the most positive week our industry has had in a very long time. I would like to thank Tracy Carter for her excellent leadership as Acting Executive Director over the past three months while I was seconded with the City of Greater Geelong.
Like many of you, I was thrilled with the announcement from the Premier that restrictions are easing for our colleagues and loved ones in Melbourne. Their impending freedom to travel promises the boost in visitation our industry needs to finish 2020 on a relative high. For short break getaways and visiting friends & relatives, there will be some pent up demand from the capital and we’re well positioned to benefit.
The changes for regional Victoria over the past few days are highlighted in this document alongside the existing Third Step rules.
The latest adjustments to the Roadmap offer some other small wins for specific sectors and services within our industry; gyms are now open and pools can be used by adults as well as kids. Live music is allowed in outdoor dining settings and food courts in precincts can operate too.
For tour and transport operators, there has been a big change with more transport vehicles included in the permitted operations. Restrictions are based on their size and the nature of the groups using them.
The detailed sector-specific Industry Restart Guidelines are available to download as a PDF for:
- Tours and Transport
- Outdoor Entertainment, Attractions and Experiences
- Community Sport and Recreation
- Physical Recreation (indoor / outdoor)
And here for:
- Accommodation
- Hospitality
For retail and personal services, the Industry Restart Guidelines can be downloaded here.
Some of these Industry Restart Guidelines have been updated in the past couple of days, others are in the process of being updated now. The links we’ve provided are where they’ll be published for all industries as adjustments are made in line with the health advice and restrictions.
We understand there have been many changes and some have come quite rapidly. What I’ve seen across our region is an adaptive, hard-working industry that is swiftly evolving service delivery based on each new step. It’s incredible for us to see what’s possible from our members and this mentality will stand the region in good stead for a few weeks’ time (all things going well, 8 November) when our Melbourne visitors hit town.
We’ll also continue to advocate for the sectors of our industry still waiting for advice on when they can plan their reopening, and how they’ll operate. The experiences, attractions and events that are currently closed need a pathway they can work towards.
Our team is available to answer any questions or help you navigate these changes, just shoot us an email or call on 03 5223 2588.Take care Brett InceExecutive Director Tourism Greater Geelong and The Bellarine |
