Australia

In Over 2 Years, First Tourist Flights Land In Australia!

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We made it to the other end Australia! The borders are finally open, marking a significant milestone for the nation. International flights will be increasing as individuals choose to travel Down Under. Australia is delighted to welcome fully vaccinated tourists from Singapore, Phuket, Auckland Delhi, Doha, London, Dubai, and Tokyo. The tourism and aviation industry has been waiting for this moment for over 2 years and is thoroughly joyed to see flights full of international travellers. Individuals visiting their families overseas couldn’t be happier to see their loved ones in Melbourne airport. In hopes of jumpstarting international travel, Tourism Australia is investing over $40 million on their campaign ‘Don’t go small, go Australia’ to showcase what tourists can expect when they travel Down Under “As an industry, we haven’t had the summer period we were hoping for, however, in this industry there is always a point in which things start to turn around and today is that point,” said Ms. Jayne Hrdlicka, CEO of Virgin Australia Group. Tourism Australia data shows that about 9.5 million international visitors had landed in Australia in 2019 before the border closures which put the tourism and aviation industry at a standstill. The decreased international arrivals since the border closure in March 2020 are expected to increase. “In the next 24 hours some 56 flights are going to touch down in Australia and that number is only going to grow”, a former managing director of Tourism Australia, said. Prime Minister Scott Morrison stated “We are going from COVID cautious to COVID confident when it comes to travel” which is a sign of progression and a breath of relief. Nevertheless, China, one of Australia’s biggest tourism markets will be absent as Chinese travellers are not yet allowed to visit Australia. “That’s why we’re focusing our campaign on those markets that are open to travel to Australia,” Mr. Morrison said. So far, so good.  Australia has come a long way dealing with snap lockdowns and borders closures, and it is set in stone that we are moving forward in the right direction. It is a great day, smiling faces fill Melbourne’s airport. As families reunite and excited travellers wait to explore Australia. Fully vaccinated travellers have been allowed to set foot in Australia and say G’day. Source1: https://karryon.com.au/industry-news/gday-world-first-tourist-flights-touch-down-in-australia-for-two-years/ Source2: https://www.melbourneairport.com.au/Corporate/News/Melbourne-Airport-welcomes-back-int-tourists

We are resilient & strong

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The past 2 years have been a roller coaster for all of us, and rightfully so some businesses have resorted to shutting down. Unfortunately, people were stuck and, unable to leave their homes. It was truly a dull period for everyone. Though the past has been tough, we have persisted through the thick and thin and have made it to the other end of the tunnel. It has taken great determination and we are extremely proud of where we are and how far Turtle Down Under has come. It is almost ironic that Turtle Down Under gave us the strength to keep pushing during tough times as if the shell of a turtle was protecting us from everything that was happening around the world. As we believe, after every raincloud comes sunshine and we are joyed to be doing what we love. We have persevered and we are present! It has taken an immense amount of hard work and we have made it through an extremely rough patch. We’re excited for what lies ahead in the future, we will continue to grow and evolve. We are stronger than ever and will continue to be, just like the shell of a turtle. Contact our team at [email protected] to register with us.

The Perfect Toolkit

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The tourism industry has been at a standstill in the past few years but now is the time to get preparing! Since the reopening of borders, many individuals around the world can’t wait to travel. Since the reopening of borders in Australia, Tourism Australia has begun working closely with India in conjunction with Airlines companies like Qantas and Air India have already begin connecting the destinations to encourage more bookings to Australia from India As per Tourism Australia’s recent Consumer Demand Project research more than 82% of High Value Travellers from India plan to travel to Australia within the next few years, to encourage and maintain more travellers from India, The Australia Government announced a Visa Application Charge (VAC) a waiver for tourists whose visa to Australia has expired or will expire between March 20th, 2020 & June 30th, 2022. India used to be Australia’s fastest growing tourism market for over 3 years, in 2019, Australia received almost 4000,000 visitors from India therefore Australia was ranked as the 6th most valuable market within the tourism sector which contributed over AUD 1.8 billion. Country Manager for India and Tourism Australia stated, “Our research has consistently shown that there is a huge pent up demand for travel to Australia amongst Indian Traveller.” Confirming the promising growth of arrivals to Australia. Before you encourage your clients to book their flights to India, there are current protocols for international travellers to follow before entering Australia: Before departing India, travellers need to provide a: Valid and current visa COVID-19 vaccination certificate with 2 doses (Covishield & Covaxin are recognized by Australia’s Therapeutic Good Administration TGA) Negative rapid antigen test (RAT) under medical supervision which needs to be done 24 hours prior to boarding a plane. Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) tests need to be taken 72 hours before departure. Digital copy of Passenger Declaration is mandatory to be submitted 72 hours before departure. Upon arrival in Australia: All travellers need to perform a self-monitored Rapid Antigen Test within 24 hours of arrival into Australia. RAT results need to be reported the respective state authority if test has resulted positive. Tourists travelling to South Australia will need to undertake a PCR within 24 hours of arriving at SA. Tourists who arrive in Western Australia will need to undertake a RAT within 12 of arrival. Travellers need to comply with the requirements and obligations of the state or territory they arrive in, and any other state or territory they plan to travel to. Source

In nearly two years, Australia has finally opened it’s borders for international visitors and tourists.

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Australia has imposed one of the strictest restrictions and travel bans since Marche 2020 due to COVID-19 but this is all changing today. Prime minister Scott Morrison celebrates the opening of Australian Borders with a cheerful and optimistic smile. Fully vaccinated travellers and all visa holders can travel down under. The Prime Minister said The condition is you must be double vaccinated to come to Australia,” as he reiterates the rules and expects all travellers to abide by it. Wait is over for International travellers This is the perfect opportunity for international family and friends to reunite in Australia, the borders opening is a wonderful news for international families patiently waiting to visit family. This good news brings forth and opportunity to explore and discover new destinations within Australia, “This is the exciting announcement the aviation sector has been waiting for,” Australian Airports Association (AAA) Chief Executive James Goodwin said. With the reopening of Australia, international travelers have a few things to look out for, double vaccinated individuals no longer require to quarantine where as unvaccinated passengers are required to complete a 14-day hotel quarantine at their own expense and require a valid travel exemption. Unvaccinated travelers will be subject to state and territory quarantine requirements. Western Australia opens on 3rd March 2022 Over 50 international planes are scheduled to land on Monday 21st February as all international travellers can enter all Australian states except Western Australia. Western Australia is set to open its borders on the 3rd of March and will require visitors to be vaccinated by the COVID-19 booster shot. Majority of Australian citizens were allowed to fly back since last year but foreigners and tourists have had to wait the gruelling durations of international travel bans due to the widespread pandemic.

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