Today's $66 billion economic support package announced by the Prime Minister has been welcomed by Tourism Council WA as crucial for the tourism industry to survive, and eventually recover from, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Chief Executive Officer Evan Hall said the package responded to the key points advocated by Tourism Council WA over the past few weeks, such as assistance for sole traders, SMEs and casual employees in the tourism industry.
"We are now analysing the details of today's economic support package and how it will apply to tourism businesses facing mass cancellations and non-existent forward bookings, while still needing to pay bills and put food on the table," Mr Hall said.
"If the package offers insufficient protection for tourism businesses, including sole traders, we will continue to advocate for further measures.
"The tourism industry is determined to survive the COVID-19 pandemic."
Tourism Council WA also supports the State Government's decision to suspend interstate travel.
"During these unprecedented times, the tourism industry understands that public health should be everyone's top priority," Mr Hall said.
"We will work with the State Government to assist with accommodation for interstate visitors within WA, such as self-drive tourists, and returning Western Australians requiring self-isolation, affected by the border measures."
Tourism businesses are offering facilities ranging from hotels and motels to caravans and motor homes to assist people self-isolating.
Mr Hall said the industry had done a great job implementing the limitations on gatherings and social distancing over this first weekend and would continue to provide customer service in a safe environment while permitted to do so.
