13 August 2020 - Queensland
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13 August 2020
Australia Pandemic Stage Emerging
Current marketing across channels Consumer Sentiment
• As part of strict measures in place for Victoria and New South Wales to help slow the • Concern is at a record high in Victoria as the situation continues to worsen. In New
spread of the second wave, the State Government closed the borders to these South Wales and Queensland, concern is high but relatively stable as the number of
respective states (and the Australian Capital Territory) from the start of August. As a new cases remains largely under control. Those in New South Wales and Queensland
result and ongoing volatility in other states, all interstate domestic TEQ marketing are more likely to think the situation will be worse in three months than Victorians.
activity was paused from this time.
• According to YouGov at the end of July, around two in ten Australians indicate they
• Queensland is in Stage Three of restrictions easing with tourism operations already have, or will be, planning/booking their next domestic trip by the end of
allowed to recommence. There is no limit on overnight travel throughout the state August 2020.
for Queenslanders. Sources: COVID-19 Brand Navigator, Nature Research and The Lab, Base: 27-29 March n=1000; bi-
weekly pulses n=200, 30 March – 31 July 2020; YouGov COVID-19 Australia Travel Monitor WC 31
• TEQ's Good to Go continues to roll out in the intrastate market, with above the line July 2020.
activity in South Australia to roll out in the coming weeks.
Aviation
Competitor activity
• Queensland borders opened to all states except Victoria on 10 July. Subsequently,
• Australian State Tourism Organisations (STOs) have started rolling out their domestic from 8 August, the Queensland border was again closed to visitors from New South
interstate campaigns. Examples include Tourism WA's ‘We're Free to Wander out Wales and the Australian Capital Territory. Unlimited intrastate leisure travel has been
Yonder’ and Destination NSW's ‘Now's the time to love NSW’. permitted since 1 June.
• Interstate leisure services commenced on 10 July, with the resumption of a number
Trade Partnerships of routes which had ceased operating during the height of the pandemic.
• Domestic capacity into Queensland during w/c 10 August is operating at 29.8 per
• COVID-19 has had a drastic impact on trade partnerships in Australia. TEQ is
cent of business as usual (compared to forward schedules at 30 December).
progressing conversations and implementing activity with trade partners as part of its
market re-entry plans.
• On 5 August, Virgin Australia announced it would reduce its fleet by half, cut 3,000
jobs, and retire Tigerair as part of a restructure under new Bain Capital ownership.
Please note: This update is a summary of the status of tourism (trade and aviation) and consumer sentiment in key source markets. These are anecdotal reports from our in-market teams and should not be relied upon as formal reporting. The update is accurate as at 12 August 2020.
New updates from the past fortnight are shown in green text.United Kingdom Pandemic Stage Emerging
Current marketing across channels Consumer Sentiment
• Advertising has increased across most national newspapers and remains at a • The daily infection rate in the UK has reduced to 900 cases with around 40-50
consistent level with a slight increase in global round-up features. Editors remain COVID-19 related deaths per day. As international travel and non-essential leisure
optimistic but cautious about the future of travel, keeping a close eye on the level of activities start to reopen there is a sense of normality starting to return in the UK.
cases in each European country which is exempt from quarantine restrictions. However, where there are localised outbreaks lockdown measures have been
reinstated (eg. Greater Manchester and Aberdeen).
• TEQ has re-engaged freelance media based in Australia who are now experiencing
product for September features. • It was confirmed on 7 August that the UK Job Retention scheme will end in October
2020.
• Following on from a pitch to a UK freelancer, The Telegraph print and online included
Reefsleep as part of a round-up on amazing ways to sleep under the stars which • A UK Government scheme entitled 'Eat Out to Help Out' launched for the month of
generated an advertising value equivalent (AVE) of AUD389,704 and a reach of August which allows patrons to receive a 50 per cent discount on dining out on
1,454,109. Mondays, Tuesday and Wednesdays.
• The UK Government has mandated that everyone is to wear a face mask in all shops
and on all public transport throughout the UK.
Competitor activity Source: gov.uk, 7 August 2020
• The UK Government has reintroduced the 14-day quarantine on UK travellers
returning from Spain, Andorra, Bahamas, Belgium and are considering a travel ban to
France in the coming days following a spike in infection rates in these countries. Trade Partnerships
• Throughout June and July, TEQ partnered with Travel Bulletin to deliver a trade
Aviation training program. The five-module program delivered a new module each week
throughout June and remained live for the entirety of July with 231 unique
• British Airways have begun making 12,000 employees redundant this week. users completing 648 modules.
• Reports of Virgin Atlantic filing for bankruptcy in September if creditors do not • Most key distribution partners are now cancelling forward bookings to Australia until
approve a GBP1.2 billion rescue deal. 2021. Many tour operators in the UK are reporting widespread job losses.
Please note: This update is a summary of the status of tourism (trade and aviation) and consumer sentiment in key source markets. These are anecdotal reports from our in-market teams and should not be relied upon as formal reporting. The update is accurate as at 12 August 2020.
New updates from the past fortnight are shown in green text.Europe (including Nordic) Pandemic Stage Emerging
Current marketing across channels Consumer Sentiment
• Pro-active media pitches in Germany, Italy and France for the opening of the • Germany and much of Europe has adopted a ‘learn to live with the virus’ strategy at
Museum of Underwater Art (MOUA) in Townsville have to date generated a total present, giving as much freedom of movement and activity to its citizens as is
advertising equivalent value exposure of AUD950,000 and circulation of 70 million. deemed safe, whilst monitoring the situation, adapting measures where necessary,
managing localised outbreaks of the virus and working to stimulate the economy.
• TEQ Europe joined a virtual travel writer conference with 80 journalists from
Germany, Austria and Switzerland. Positive news is travel editors of daily/weekend • Anyone entering Germany from abroad can be tested for COVID-19 free of charge
papers, magazines, TV, radio and online are once again working full-time. within 72 hours. Since 8 August, people from risk areas are obliged to be tested
when they enter Germany.
• According to a study by the Robert-Koch Institute, German consumer sentiment
Competitor activity continues to rise strongly in August. The desire for social gatherings and leisure
activities is increasing. In relation to travel, 44 per cent of Germans are still planning
• Various long-haul destinations are sharing their tourism reopening plans with a holiday, with 66 per cent indicating they will spend on par to pre COVID-19 levels.
Europeans including Tanzania, Kenya, Zambia, Namibia, Seychelles, French- Sources: Ministry of Health 7 August 2020; Horizont 4 August 2020.
Polynesia, La Réunion, Costa Rica, Bali and Namibia (no later than September 2020).
• Tourism Tasmania trade activity 'Tas Talk... The Movie’ has been very well received Trade Partnerships
by European trade.
• Businesses are still managing cancellations and are struggling with clarity around
• The Canary Islands are offering tourists free insurance covering COVID-19 related international border openings and associated regulations. Flight capacity is still
incidents to reassure holidaymakers. The policy, launched by the Canaries’ reduced, with limited advance warning given by state governments to allow sufficient
Department of Tourism in partnership with global insurance firm AXA, will cover time for the trade to market and sell available destinations.
Spanish and foreign visitors alike, provided they are staying in tourist
accommodation. • Explorer Fernreisen has reopened all their shops and published a self-drive focused
flyer, featuring destinations such as the USA, Australia and Namibia.
Aviation • There has been strong interest from Queensland tourism products to attend Australia
Marketplace Online – UK and Europe in November 2020.
• Condor has introduced a special 'Visit Friends and Relatives' tariff in their booking • The monthly Aussie Specialist Program update session on events received great
system. feedback with virtual events growing in appeal.
Please note: This update is a summary of the status of tourism (trade and aviation) and consumer sentiment in key source markets. These are anecdotal reports from our in-market teams and should not be relied upon as formal reporting. The update is accurate as at 12 August 2020.
New updates from the past fortnight are shown in green text.North America Pandemic Stage Homebound
Current marketing across channels Consumer Sentiment
• Secured ongoing media coverage of the Museum of Underwater Art across multiple • As at 11 August, the US had 5.15 million confirmed cases of COVID-19 and approx.
US media outlets. 164,000 deaths. Canada has 120,000 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and 9,000
deaths.
• TEQ is pursuing a long-lead 2021 broadcast program opportunities with the US CBS,
NBC and ABC networks, the Travel Channel and Discovery Channel cable networks, • A US Kaiser Family Foundation survey found that the ongoing fatigue caused by
and streaming providers Netflix and Amazon Prime. coronavirus pandemic has affected the mental well-being of 53 per cent of adult
Americans.
Competitor activity • The US Conference Board advised that overall consumer confidence has declined in
the month of July due to the increase in COVID-19 cases and resulting negative
• Online Travel Agency Viator has partnered with destinations to promote the next impact on economic and employment prospects.
phase of ‘virtual experiences’. Individuals can book personalised, real-time guided
tours of destinations and experiences for a fee. Typical private virtual tour fees are • By comparison, Canadian consumer confidence increased in July with a substantial
below USD15, making them broadly accessible and securing favourable reviews. slowing of COVID-19 confirmed cases and death rate.
Sources: CDC, US Conference Board, Canada Conference Board, CNBS, Trading Economics
Aviation
Trade Partnerships
• United Airlines will resume its Los Angeles – Sydney route in September, ahead of
earlier announcements. • The week of 10 August, TEQ Americas participated in Virtuoso Virtual Travel Week,
the world's largest conference for luxury travel advisors. Travel Week reaches more
• Air New Zealand is increasing the frequency of the Los Angeles – Auckland service to than 2,000 US travel advisors with the TEQ North America team hosting more than
daily and is reintroducing San Francisco – Auckland services three times weekly. 100 advisor training sessions.
• American Airlines has extended the suspension of the Los Angeles – Sydney service • On August 18 and 20, TEQ Americas will host the Queensland Tourism Exchange, a
until 27 March 2021. virtual networking and destination showcase for the top 50 Americas key distribution
partners. It includes participation from 32 Queensland RTO and industry partners.
Please note: This update is a summary of the status of tourism (trade and aviation) and consumer sentiment in key source markets. These are anecdotal reports from our in-market teams and should not be relied upon as formal reporting. The update is accurate as at 12 August 2020.
New updates from the past fortnight are shown in green text.New Zealand Pandemic Stage Homebound
Current marketing across channels Consumer Sentiment
• TEQ is currently involved in discussions with numerous campaign partners including • Four family members tested positive for COVID-19 on 11 August with no apparent
Tourism Australia, Air NZ, TripAdvisor, Expedia, Ignite Travel, Flight Centre and links to overseas travel or quarantine. As a result, at midday on 12 August, Auckland
House of Travel. At this stage plans are hold due to the ongoing Trans-Tasman went back into Level 3 lockdown, with the remainder of NZ Level 2 until midnight on
border closure. 14 August. Extensive contact tracing is underway with indication that the new cases
are linked to refrigerated transport/freight. Two of the new COVID-19 cases travelled
to Rotorua and visited tourism hotspots. If there are additional cases in the coming
Competitor activity days, it is expected a nationwide response will be necessary.
• Air NZ and Tourism NZ launched the second phase of its ‘Do something new, New • From midday 12 August, Auckland schools are shut, work from home is required,
Zealand’ winter campaign, which will see key ski locations Taupo, Christchurch and public venues are closed, gatherings of up to 10 people are permitted, businesses can
Queenstown promoted through social media, digital display advertising and online. only trade without physical contact and wearing a mask is encouraged. Most of the
community is in shock with only 14 hours notice of the lockdown.
Aviation • Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has advised a Trans-Tasman bubble is a long way
off and flights between Australia and New Zealand are currently out of the question.
• Due to new lockdown restrictions, Air New Zealand domestic scheduled flights will Prior to the recent lockdown, the Prime Minister had announced there was no specific
only operate to/from Auckland for those returning to their place of residence. timeframe for a Cook Island travel bubble, although travel between the countries
Domestic travel continues for destinations outside of Auckland under Level 2 could happen by the end of the year.
restrictions, with mask wearing compulsory on all fights. Sources: NZ Government 10-11 August; NZ Government and NZ Herald 12 August; TVNZ 1 August.
• Jetstar has announced it will resume 90 per cent of its pre COVID-19 NZ domestic
schedule in August, due to passenger demand exceeding expectations.
Trade Partnerships
• A record number of kiwis travelled with Air NZ during the July school holidays
resulting in a 70 per cent increase in domestic capacity compared to pre COVID-19 • Recent comments by the NZ Tourism Ministers showing little support for the sector
levels, up from the original forecast of 55 per cent for August. have enraged the travel industry. After delays from government agencies, Ministers
Grant Robertson, Kris Faafoi and Kelvin Davis will meet with the heads of travel retail
• Auckland International Airport is in the final stages of its plans to provide a safe air
chains on 24 August to discuss proposed support measures for the travel agency
corridor between New Zealand and the Cook Islands. The airport terminal will be
sector, which is good news for key distribution partners.
separated into two zones which will allow separate different categories of travellers.
Please note: This update is a summary of the status of tourism (trade and aviation) and consumer sentiment in key source markets. These are anecdotal reports from our in-market teams and should not be relied upon as formal reporting. The update is accurate as at 12 August 2020.
New updates from the past fortnight are shown in green text.Greater China (Mainland China,
Hong Kong and Taiwan)
Pandemic Stage Emerging
Current marketing across channels Consumer Sentiment
• TEQ has been delivering activities focused on keeping trade partners engaged and • The status of the COVID-19 pandemic is stable in Mainland China. A number of
keeping Queensland top of consumers' minds. A radio interview, themed around scattered new cases were reported in Xinjiang (15 new cases in 24 hours).
Queensland family fun was delivered to an audience of millions in Beijing.
• In Hong Kong the number of newly confirmed cases remain high (e.g. 141 new cases
• The 2020 Gold Coast Virtual Marathon was promoted via key trade and running were reported within 24 hours). The Hong Kong Government has reinstated 'working
community partners across Greater China, achieving more than 500 participants from from home' advice for non-essential public servants.
the market.
• Despite new outbreaks in Mainland China and Hong Kong, consumers remain
• TEQ has partnered with Tourism Tropical North Queensland, Brisbane Economic
cautiously positive. Consumer confidence has increased slightly, however perception
Development Agency and Destination Gold Coast to deliver the next season of the
of Australia as a safe destination have declined in both China and Hong Kong.
Queensland Livestream program 'Queensland Travel+'. Queensland’s iconic travel
experiences, local produce, and interesting destination stories were featured in the Sources: Tencent News, Tourism Australia
one-hour long livestream shows, attracting hundreds of views.
Trade Partnerships
Competitor activity
• TEQ partnered with Tourism Australia to deliver a joint webinar on 7 August. The
• Tourism Western Australia has launched the Western Australia ‘Next Adventure’ webinar was themed as a virtual cocktail invitation to industry, and focused on
campaign, aimed to keep Western Australia top of consumers' minds. A Chinese introducing Queensland wineries, distilleries, breweries, restaurants and bars.
speaking Western Australian has hosted a series of livestream shows on Mafengwo.
• On 30 June, the TEQ China team hosted a forum with key distribution partners,
airline and media partners to gain insights, identify consumer trends and collaborate
Aviation on new opportunities for Queensland post COVID-19, to assist in accelerating
recovery from China once international borders re open.
• China Southern (CZ) increased frequency on Guangzhou to Sydney services from one
to two services per week, from 22 July. • TEQ joined Tourism Australia and State Tourism Organisations in 'One Voice' trade
forums in Hangzhou, Beijing and Shanghai. The forums were attended by Chinese
• Additionally, CZ has announced a new promotion – a AUD770 per person package
key distribution partners and sent a strong message to the Chinese travel trade on
allowing unlimited usage of CZ's domestic flights, without any blackout dates. The
the commitment of Australian partners and provided the opportunity to deliver
package is valid until the end of 2020 and demonstrates strong competition among
destination updates.
major airlines for the Chinese domestic market.
Please note: This update is a summary of the status of tourism (trade and aviation) and consumer sentiment in key source markets. These are anecdotal reports from our in-market teams and should not be relied upon as formal reporting. The update is accurate as at 12 August 2020.
New updates from the past fortnight are shown in green text.Japan Pandemic Stage Emerging
Current marketing across channels Consumer Sentiment
• Continued organic posting on owned social media channels (Facebook and Twitter) in • Japan's total number of COVID-19 cases topped 50,000 on 10 August; an increase of
Japanese with some limited boosting of content that shows the strongest 10,000 cases in just one week from 3 August.
engagement.
• There are now calls for people in major urban areas to avoid returning to their
• Media newsletters and ad-hoc press releases showcasing online events and nature- hometowns during the traditional Obon summer holiday (10-14 August) period.
based content are being distributed on a monthly basis.
• 85 per cent of Japanese surveyed in July believe COVID-19 will change societal
• One-on-one Zoom training with teachers looking to send business to Queensland in norms, while less than eight per cent were contemplating using the government’s
2021 and beyond has been delivered with six schools. domestic ’Go To Travel’ incentives.
Sources: The Japan Times, NHK World, BIGLOBE n=1,000, BRI n=10,979
Competitor activity
• McDonalds Japan released a seasonal menu of Hawaiian flavoured burgers on 8
Trade Partnerships
August, endorsed by the Hawaii Visitors Bureau and promoted on both their websites • In July, TEQ Japan conducted face to face meetings with representatives from H.I.S.
and social media. and JTB's planning teams to discuss the impact of COVID-19 on their businesses and
their current thinking in terms of market recovery.
Aviation • All key wholesalers have cancelled sales of package tours to all destinations until the
end of September.
• All Nippon Airways (ANA) have confirmed the only direct service between Japan and
Australia, their Haneda to Sydney three flights per week service, will continue until at • The Marine Diving Fair will be held on 21-23 August in Tokyo. Queensland will have a
least 1 October. presence at the show, in partnership with H.I.S, Tourism Tropical North Queensland,
Entrada Travel Group and ex-Cairns videographer Kirin Sekito.
• In addition to Qantas' existing International Freight Assistance Mechanism
(IFAM) service between Narita and Brisbane, Japan Airlines (JAL) will also fly a once- • TEQ Japan has now trained 1,630 agents online since early April.
a-week freight service for 12 weeks on the same route from 20 August.
• A trade eNewsletter send is planned for 21 August to a database of more than 2,000
agents, as well as a promotion to increase subscribers.
Please note: This update is a summary of the status of tourism (trade and aviation) and consumer sentiment in key source markets. These are anecdotal reports from our in-market teams and should not be relied upon as formal reporting. The update is accurate as at 12 August 2020.
New updates from the past fortnight are shown in green text.Korea Pandemic Stage Emerging
Current marketing across channels Consumer Sentiment
• The Museum of Underwater Art (MOUA) has been shared with media partners in • There is some optimism around economic recovery in Korea. Korea stocks (the Kospi)
market. There is interest in developing a virtual tour to showcase the experience. hit 2020 highs on 11 August, a seventh consecutive daily gain, and closing above
2,400 for the first time since June 2018. Strong liquidity in the market from retail
• Regular consumer content is being produced and shared via the Queensland blog (in investors is one of the main forces providing the boost. The Korea Financial
Korean) focusing on new, interesting and fashionable stories from Queensland. Investment Association reports that in the first quarter of 2020, 2,935 new stock
• Progressing translation of content for the Korean Queensland.com site, with plans to investment accounts were opened, a five per cent increase compared to the previous
launch in Q2 2020-21. As part of this process, content is being updated, to enhance year, with half of the new accounts opened by people in their twenties.
appeal to target consumers.
• Large Korean companies and major international chains are investing in the domestic
hotel market, despite significant downturns following the collapse of travel. It is
Competitor activity believed the investment is aimed to take advantage of post COVID-19 recovery
trends, including the rise of domestic travel to places such as Jeju Island, Busan and
Yeosu.
• Interpark Tour and Tourism Thailand have launched an early bird offer, providing a
$10 gift voucher which consumers can use once borders reopen.
• Korea has suffered the highest number of casualties in a single rainy season in nearly
a decade with 38 deaths and 12 missing as at 9 August. The continuation of heavy
rain caused significant property damage and disruption to services.
Aviation
Sources: JoongAng Daily, 6 and 11 August; JoongAng Daily, 9 August 2020.
• It is reported that in July, low cost carriers sold more domestic tickets than full-
service carriers, including Korean Air and Asiana Airlines. According to the Korea
Airport Corporation, Jeju Air sold 922,167 tickets, followed by T’way Air and Jin Air. Trade Partnerships
• Korean Air and Asiana Airlines are seeing benefits from increased cargo business, to • TEQ is progressing discussions with Tourism Australia and Interpark Tour regarding
assist in balancing the loss of passenger traffic. Unlike the full-service carriers, low an early bird promotion, targeted to commence in late 2020.
cost carriers in the market continue to suffer, as their main source of revenue is
passenger based. With international travel restrictions continuing, they are currently • Communication with trade partners continues through TEQ’s trade eNewsletter. A
focusing on domestic routes which have limited profitability due to intense price seventh edition was recently distributed to an audience of 120 key agent partners,
competition. featuring updated product and destination information.
Sources: Travel Times, 10 August 2020; JoongAng Daily, 26 July 2020.
Please note: This update is a summary of the status of tourism (trade and aviation) and consumer sentiment in key source markets. These are anecdotal reports from our in-market teams and should not be relied upon as formal reporting. The update is accurate as at 12 August 2020.
New updates from the past fortnight are shown in green text.South East Asia (Singapore, Malaysia
and Indonesia)
Pandemic Stage Homebound
Current marketing across channels Consumer Sentiment
• Media pitching of the Museum of Underwater Art (MOUA) opening has secured • Malaysia launched a new campaign, ‘Embracing New Norms’ on 7 August to
coverage in ChannelNewsAsia (Singapore) and CNN Indonesia. encourage Malaysians to do their part to protect themselves, the community and to
help the frontliners in the fight against COVID-19.
• The 2020 Gold Coast Virtual Marathon has proven to be an outstanding success in
South East Asia, with total registrations across Singapore, Indonesia and Malaysia • TTG Asia has reported Asian travellers have shown more confidence about travelling
accounting for 70 per cent of international registrations. in the new normal, when compared to their Western counterparts, as indicated
through a global survey examining the sentiments of more than 10,000 people across
17 countries regarding travel in a post-COVID-19 world.
Competitor activity • Bali reopened to domestic tourists from 31 July. Around 4,000 people arrived on 1
• A new tourism campaign ‘Jom! Experience Penang’, targeting domestic Malaysian August on the first day of opening.
tourists commenced on 30 July. • On 31 July, Indonesia established a travel corridor with the United Arab Emirates for
• Trip.com Group has entered into a strategic partnership with AirAsia's e-commerce essential, business, official and diplomatic trips, effective immediately. Travellers are
platform, AirAsia.com that will allow users of both digital platforms access to a wider exempted from a two-week quarantine but need to undergo a COVID-19 test prior to
travel. More agreements such as with Korea and China are being negotiated.
range of product and service offerings.
Sources: TTG Asia, 28 July 2020; Bernama News.
• Trip.com aired its first Singapore livestream on 21 July featuring local staycation
deals and discounts. Packages sold during the livestream come with a flexible
booking guarantee and are fully refundable prior to redemption, in a bid by Trip.com Trade Partnerships
to mitigate uncertainty and restore confidence in travel.
• Dedicated virtual catch-up sessions were jointly hosted by the state tourism
organisations based in Singapore with key distribution partners (KDPs) on 4 and 5
Aviation August. They were attended by key management staff (including Managing Directors,
and Head of Departments for Product, Marketing and Business Events). The KDPs
• Singapore Airlines is delaying the launch of its new first and business class offering, provided insightful updates while Team Australia extended a collective show of
aligned with the launch of its B777-9 aircraft, by two years. Additionally, the airline support to these key partners.
will be cutting basic salary by 10 per cent, with deeper cuts for management staff.
• TEQ and Tourism Australia, in conjunction with eight Sunshine Coast and Cairns
• From 3 August, Emirates will increase its flights from Dubai to Jakarta from three to operators conducted a second Queensland industry webinar to 400 registered ASP
six times per week. agents from South East Asia on 30 July.
Please note: This update is a summary of the status of tourism (trade and aviation) and consumer sentiment in key source markets. These are anecdotal reports from our in-market teams and should not be relied upon as formal reporting. The update is accurate as at 12 August 2020.
New updates from the past fortnight are shown in green text.India Pandemic Stage Homebound
Current marketing across channels Consumer Sentiment
• TEQ promoted the Museum of Underwater Art (MOUA) experience to Indian media • India has retained the rights to host the 2021 Men's T20 Cricket World Cup while
and trade on 1 August. Australia have been asked to host the 2022 edition.
• While India’s COVID-19 cases have crossed the 2.2 million mark, the recovery rate is
Competitor activity reported as 69.8 per cent.
• Most states in India have extended the lockdown to 31 August 2020 with relaxing
• Thomas Cook India and SOTC have launched Private Journeys: premium, restrictions. Gymnasiums, malls and yoga centres have been permitted to reopen
chauffeured van tours, strategically designed for smaller groups of family or friends. from 5 August 2020.
Private Journeys covers more than 32 countries, for travel from September 2020.
• The central government is planning to reopen schools and colleges in a staggered
• Online agent Pick your Trail has launched a special sale from 7-17 August 2020,
manner between 1 September and 14 November. The fresh guidelines are expected
offering easy payment options, date change flexibility, and unbeatable deals to woo
to be out on 31 August, the decision on reopening will be left to states.
Indian travellers to consider international destinations including the Maldives, Dubai,
Singapore, Bali and Sri Lanka. Sources: thehindu.com; Ministry of Health and Family Welfare; Government of India
Aviation Trade Partnerships
• India has developed ‘air bubbles’ for international travel with Germany, the United • Thomas Cook and SOTC India launched 'A La Carte' holidays to make holiday
States, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom and France as they gradually reopen. planning simple and stress free for their clients. A four night, five day Gold Coast
package is the first Australia city to be included in the program.
• In a further easing of rules, the Ministry of Civil Aviation has announced that Indian
citizens can now travel to the United States, Germany and France on any type of • TEQ India has conducted webinar training sessions for 3,058 agents from March –
visa. Up until now, only citizens holding special residency status in these countries, or June 2020.
those on select, long-stay visas, were permitted to travel.
• Thomas Cook India’s Holiday Readiness Travel Report - Future of Travel post COVID-
• Vistara plans to operate flights to London, Paris and Frankfurt starting mid-August, 19 reiterates significant pent up travel demand. Thomas Cook India has launched
joining repatriation efforts to bring Indians home. The flights would be operated from their Assured Safe Travel Program, to provide consumers confidence in booking
Delhi under the ‘air bubble’ and will mark a milestone in the airline's growth. future trips, post COVID-19.
Sources: business-standard.com; cnttraveller.in
Please note: This update is a summary of the status of tourism (trade and aviation) and consumer sentiment in key source markets. These are anecdotal reports from our in-market teams and should not be relied upon as formal reporting. The update is accurate as at 12 August 2020.
New updates from the past fortnight are shown in green text.Aviation
Global Context Domestic Aviation
• The COVID-19 pandemic has had an unprecedented impact on global aviation with • Queensland borders opened to all states except Victoria on 10 July. Subsequently,
the cessation of almost all leisure travel in competitor markets. from 8 August, the Queensland border was again closed to visitors from New South
Wales and the Australian Capital Territory. Unlimited intrastate leisure travel has been
• The International Air Transport Association (IATA) estimates global passenger permitted since 1 June.
revenues will decline by 50 per cent to USD419 billion from USD838 billion in 2019.
IATA says that airline passenger traffic may not return to pre-crisis levels until at • Domestic capacity into Queensland during w/c 10 August is operating at 29.8 per
least 2024. cent of business as usual (compared to forward schedules at 30 December).
• On 11 June, CAPA (Centre for Aviation) released an updated forecast for a 74 per
International Aviation cent recovery (compared to 2019) in domestic Australia capacity by December 2020.
• On 20 March, the Australian border was closed to all non-residents. On 24 March, a • On 12 June, the Queensland Government announced AUD5 million for 15 Queensland
ban on overseas travel by Australian residents came into effect. airports to negotiate directly with airlines to secure domestic flights. On 16 June, the
Government announced an additional AUD10 million for domestic aviation attraction.
• International capacity into Queensland during w/c 10 August is operating at 6.2 per
cent of business as usual (compared to forward schedules at 30 December). • On 26 June, Virgin Australia administrator Deloitte announced it had entered into an
agreement with Bain Capital to buy the beleaguered airline.
• There are currently only limited resident repatriation services operating into
Queensland by airlines including Qatar Airways, Emirates, Singapore Airlines, EVA Air, • On 12 July, Brisbane Airport’s new AUD1.1 billion parallel runway opened with a
China Airlines and Air New Zealand. Virgin Australia service from Brisbane to Cairns.
• From 13 July, arrivals on international services into Brisbane are capped at 30 • On 5 August, Virgin Australia announced it would reduce its fleet by half, cut 3,000
passengers per service, with a maximum of passenger 500 arrivals per week. On 7 jobs, and retire Tigerair as part of a restructure under new Bain Capital ownership.
August, National Cabinet agreed to extend these restrictions until at least 24 October.
• The Australian border remains closed indefinitely. The latest Federal Government Airline Partnerships
budget update assumes borders will re-open between 1 January and 30 June 2021
with a mandatory two-week mandatory quarantine remaining in place. • TEQ has suspended obligations for Attracting Aviation Investment Fund (AAIF) airline
partners until further notice
Please note: This update is a summary of the status of aviation globally. The update is accurate as at 12 August 2020. New updates from the past fortnight are shown in green text.Pandemic Stage key
Homebound COVID-19: Know the facts – for more information:
Forced isolation/social restrictions, panic
buying, widespread and ongoing Updates on COVID-19 – for businesses – Updated daily by TEQ with links to
transmission, infection rates rising
the latest information, support packages and business resources.
Updates on COVID-19 – for travellers – Updated daily by TEQ with the latest
Emerging
Infection rates stabilise then decrease, travel advice and restrictions for Australia and Queensland.
people start to feel positive, economy
restarts, people returning to work/school, health.gov.au – For the most current health advice
domestic travel bans lift
australia.gov.au – For all current announcements
Returning treasury.gov.au – For information on our economic response
Governments have lifted restrictions,
consumers preferences and expectations
have shifted, technology adoption servicesaustralia.gov.au – For help accessing support payments
accelerates
Australian Government coronavirus page or call 13 28 46 – For Australian
Government business support
Note: The above stages are based on definitions
developed by Tourism Australia and adapted by
Tourism and Events Queensland. They are intended to Phone the Small Business Hotline on 1300 654 687 - For Queensland
be a guide only to indicate where each market currently Government business support
sits. A particular market may or may not be
experiencing one or all of the descriptors outlined. Summary of Government support packages – Queensland’s Department of
The stages may be refined and updated as the Innovation and Tourism Industry Development (DITID) has provided a
pandemic continues to evolve.
detailed breakdown of federal and state support packages available for
businesses.
Please note: This update is a summary of the status of tourism (trade and aviation) and consumer sentiment in key source markets. These are anecdotal reports from our in-market teams and should not be relied upon as formal reporting. The update is accurate as at 12 August 2020.You can also read
