Recently updated on July 17th, 2023 at 08:56 pm
For those of us watching the Australia bushfires burn around the world, the amount of land destroyed, animals killed and human lives lost is almost unfathomable, but for the people of Australia, this is their reality. So the big question is, what can we do to help? Well, that’s exactly why this Australia Day, we want to take the opportunity to let you all know that Australia is very much open for business. And not only is it open, but now more than ever it needs your support.
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One of the biggest issues now facing Australia is misconception, and actually how much of the country has been affected by the fires. Media coverage of Australian Open matches being called off due to dangerous levels of smoke inhalation, and sensationalist news headlines, do nothing to help the situation. The reality is this – many of the fires that were burning in NSW and Victoria, are now either out or significantly downgraded. You can also see live updates for yourself on Australia.com.
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All the major Australia tourist hotspots including Melbourne, Sydney, the Hunter Valley, the Sunshine Coast, the Barrier Reef, Perth, Margaret River and Coral Coast are all unaffected and open for business. It is currently only Canberra Airport that remains closed. Once in a lifetime experiences such as watching the sunrise over Uluru, learning about the Aboriginal ritual of Dreamtime in Cairns, snorkelling the Barrier Reef, spotting sea lions on Kangaroo Island, or seaside glamping on Rottnest Island, or all there and ready to be enjoyed.
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This inaccurate description of the entire country being ablaze is damaging. Current reports indicate that the tourism industry has already lost $5 billion AUD as a result of cancellations and reduced bookings, many from areas completely unaffected by the fires. In terms of people and jobs, over 660,000 locals rely on the tourism industry for their livelihoods. That’s 1 in 19 Australians, or 1 in 3 people in smaller, tourism dependent communities. Put simply, without tourism support many small businesses, even those in unaffected areas, are unlikely to survive the next tourism season.
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So what’s being done to help? Well just this week, Tourism Australia launched their brand new ‘Holiday Here This Year‘ campaign, encouraging Aussies to throw their support behind the tourism industry by choosing to holiday in their own backyard. Supported through a $20 million government funding boost, the campaign is urging Australians to plan, book and take a domestic holiday, and share their experiences with friends and family online.
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In support of this initiative, this week our friends at AAT Kings also announced the launch of their Bushfire Relief Giveback Experiences, designed to help provide immediate support directly to tourism communities affected by the bushfires. Offering a selection of day tours and short breaks and run in collaboration with #EmptyEsky, these experiences offer the chance to visit locations across NSW, Victoria and South Australia, popping in to local markets and supporting those who have been affected by the fires first hand.
We have no doubt that many of you will have already donated generously to Australian causes in recent weeks and months, and are wondering what more you can do. Well, this is it. Stand shoulder to shoulder with our friends down under, and commit to visiting their beautiful land.