Labor Leader and Shadow Minister for Tourism, Hospitality and Events REBECCAWHITE
EDITORIAL
What a year it has been for all Tasmanians. Together we have gone through the ups and downs of Covid-19, a snap lockdown in the south and now, with borders reopening, we have a chance to welcome back family, friends and holiday makers for the busy summer season. I would like to thank all of Tasmania’s tourism and hospitality businesses for following the rules outlined by public health and pushing through what has been an incredibly challenging time. Not only have businesses worked nonstop to ensure they are delivering a Covid safe experience for their customers, but the community has been amazing. We have seen people rally around and take pride in their local businesses and this support has left Tasmania in good stead and ready for reopening. I’m sure many of our amazing businesses and tourist destinations are excited for the influx of interstate visitors the border reopening will bring, however it would be remiss of me to ignore that there are still many uncertainties that lie ahead. Questions like what will Covid do to our health system, what happens if someone visiting a business gets Covid and why are our restrictions different to interstate will be in the minds of many,
and despite the excitement of reopening, many people in our community are right to feel nervous. And then of course there is the news of other variants of Covid emerging and questions about what this will mean for the best laid plans. This is why Labor has been asking important questions about our reopening plan in Parliament. We want to make sure that once the borders reopen and Covid enters the state, we are ready. Despite the uncertainties that lie ahead, it is clear that for many Tasmanians we are in an incredibly exciting time. Families are being reunited, friends reconnected and businesses are set to see visitor numbers sky rocket. Tasmanians have worked hard to get to this point and deserve to spend their Christmas with their loved ones, albeit in a Covid safe way. The past year has been one of many ups and downs and it is important we take the time to reflect on this. As the nation continues to open up and the vaccination rate continues to rise, we can look forward to 2022 with increased optimism. I would once again like to thank all Tasmanians who have done their bit to keep our state safe this year. I wish you all a Merry Christmas and a happy and safe new year.
Hospitality Review: December 2021 15
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