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‘Wet season, COVID-19, wet season’: Coronavirus has left northern WA tourism on the brink

by www.abc.net.au Leave a Comment

Tourism operators in Western Australia’s north are facing “18 months of pain” with concerns the coronavirus pandemic could lead to bankruptcies and the crippling of popular tourist towns.

Key points:

  • The COVID-19 pandemic hit Australia just as the northern tourist season would normally be starting
  • Kimberley tourism operators say they are looking at up to 18 months without any income
  • The State Government says it understands the challenges and support is available

While southern tourism operators were coming off their profitable summer months, the COVID-19 lockdown happened as northern businesses were about to reopen for their annual peak season — the time of year when tourists head north chasing the winter sun.

Natasha Mahar, from tourism marketing body Australia’s North West, said the timing could not have been worse.

“Six months of wet season, a further six months of no dry [peak tourism] season now due to coronavirus and another six months of wet season following that.

“So all up it’s at least 18 months of pain.”

She said some local families were phoning her in tears.

“Our operators are resilient and they’re doing their best, but the worst case scenario is some businesses won’t make it.”

Adding to the concern was the fact that the Kimberley may be the last region to be reopened for tourism due to the at-risk demographics of its more than 200 remote Aboriginal communities.

‘We have everything on the line’

Some small, locally-owned tourism businesses have described being stuck in a debt-laden limbo as they continued to pay for expenses such as vehicle and boat insurance, property rents and living costs while having no income from their business.

Some — still in shock from the sudden shutdowns — were trying to decide whether to cut their losses and sell up, or try to hold on through the indefinite travel bans.

Among them are Myles and Bec Penegar who bought the Broome Hovercraft Eco Adventure Tours business nine years ago.

Over the wet season they invested in a 14-seater boat to expand the business, such was the demand from tourists to visit the ancient dinosaur footprints along Roebuck Bay.

Mr Penegar said the pandemic shutdowns happened just as they were about to launch for the year.

“We were just so upbeat and excited to show people what we do, ” he says.

“We had a lot of forward bookings and we were days away from doing the boat tour for the 2020 season and then suddenly, everything was stopped.

“We know people have had it worse … but everything we have is tied up in this.

The couple have three young children and the stress of the situation is clear.

Bec Penegar wiped away a tear as she described the predicament.

“Look, we know in a sense it’s a first-world problem and we are glad for the restrictions and that people aren’t getting sick from COVID-19 the way they are in other countries and that’s the most important thing.

“But it is stressful as we have everything on the line.

“We love what we do and we just want to come out the other side of this.”

Some regions hurting more than others

The CEO of the Regional Chambers of Commerce of WA, Kitty Prodonovich, said the economies of small, northern towns like Exmouth and Broome were most vulnerable amid the pandemic shutdowns.

“Those towns that are heavily reliant on tourism are the ones we’re most concerned about right now.

“Tourism is a crucial industry to almost all the business in town, so the travel restrictions are a massive blow,” she said.

“We have faith in the directions the state and federal governments are taking but there needs to be some additional support specifically, for those north-west businesses.”

The chambers’ April survey of regional business confidence revealed half of the respondents had not accessed government assistance for the COVID-19 crisis.

“Business owners are just overwhelmed by the situation and that’s a real concern that 50 per cent of businesses had not yet found out what support relief or stimulus they were eligible for,” Ms Prodonovich said.

Government committed to helping

The WA Government said it was aware of the situation and was working behind the scenes to support the struggling businesses.

In a statement to the ABC, Tourism Minister Paul Papalia said he understood the challenges COVID-19 posed to the tourism industry.

“The State Government has established a dedicated Industry Support Team within Tourism WA to assist operators to access state and federal assistance packages,” Mr Papalia said.

He said the Government had also waived license fees and payroll tax while affected business owners could also access one-off electricity grants.

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Venice to charge tourists to enter in world first

by www.telegraph.co.uk Leave a Comment

Venice is to become the first city in the world to introduce a booking system whereby tourists will have to pay up to 10 euros each to enter.

The controversial ticketing initiative, announced on Friday, comes after years of rancorous debate over the suffocating effects of over-tourism on the city long known as “La Serenissima”.

The authorities say the booking system is essential to combat overcrowding, but critics say it edges the World Heritage city closer to being a warped brand of cultural Disneyland.

From January 16, tourists planning to visit will have to make a booking online and pay an entrance fee – or a “contribution to access” as the city prefers to call it.

The amount will vary according to how busy the season is – during Easter, the summer holidays, historic regattas and festivals, the fee will be 10 euros per person. During quieter periods of the year, it will be just three euros a head.

The booking system will apply only to day-trippers on the basis that they make little economic contribution to the city.

Tourists who stay the night already have to pay a hotel tax and will be exempt from the entrance charge.

“We are well aware that we are the first city in the world to introduce this fairly revolutionary move,” said Simone Venturini, the city council official in charge of tourism. “We need to balance the needs of tourists with the needs of the people who live in Venice.”

There will be no cap placed on how many tourists can enter Venice on any given day.

But the high price of tickets during busy periods is aimed at reducing the influx of visitors at those times.

“This is a system of incentives and disincentives to manage the flow of tourists. Venice remains open to everyone, we must stress that,” said Michele Zuin, the city official responsible for the budget. “This system will render Venice calmer, safer and more beautiful for visitors.”

Anyone caught trying to evade the entrance charge will face a fine of up to 300 euros and criminal prosecution.

The idea of making tourists pay to enter Venice has long had its detractors.

“Venice is becoming more and more like Disneyland,” said Corriere della Sera, a leading Italian newspaper, commenting on the announcement.

On busy days, up to 100,000 tourists converge on Venice, which is double the population of 50,000.

Some Venetians believe the system should go a step further and impose a maximum number of visitors who can enter the lagoon city.

Jane da Mosto, the British head of a pressure group called We Are Here Venice, thinks the number of tourists should be set at around 50,000 – the same as the number of inhabitants.

She is doubtful that the booking system will make any difference to the problems of over-tourism.

“Having a ticketing system is meaningless unless there is an explicit cap on the number of visitors allowed into Venice at any one time. I don’t think that would necessarily imply that Venice is becoming like Disneyland.

“When you buy tickets to the cinema or to a theme park, they stop selling tickets when the number of people that can be safely and comfortably accommodated is reached.

“The number of tourists should mirror the number of residents to assure people a more authentic experience. I’m concerned that  a ticketing system will potentially worsen people’s behaviour. People might think, ‘I’ve paid 10 euros to come here, but there are no bins, so I’ll just throw my litter on the ground.’”

Gianfranco Bettin, a city councilor with the Green party, said: “The problem is that the tide of visitors upsets the demographic and socio-economic fabric of the city.

“We need to find a way of limiting the number of day-trippers and I think we need drastic measures, including a fixed number of visitors.”

Songkhla woos tourists with popular Hat Yai fried chicken

by www.thestar.com.my Leave a Comment

BANGKOK (The Nation/Asia News Network): The Songkhla provincial administration and the business sector are highlighting Hat Yai fried chicken at a street food festival, hoping to promote gastronomy tourism in the southern border province.

The Street Food Festival @ Hatyai was launched at the Supasarn Rangsan Park in Songkhla’s Hat Yai district on Wednesday (June 29). Songkhla Governor Jessada Jitwat and Natee Ratchakitprakan, the chief adviser to a deputy prime minister, presided over the opening ceremony. The festival will continue until July 3.

Songkhla Chamber of Commerce chairman Thanawat Poonsilp said Hat Yai fried chicken was highlighted at the fair, which would help make the dish better known to draw more visitors to Songkhla and Hat Yai to try it.

Thanawat said the chamber had enlisted 20 Hat Yai fried chicken shops in Songkhla to organise the Hat Yai fried checked fair at the Street Food Festival to promote the dish.

He said the dish could be further developed into a tourist attraction for Hat Yai.

Thanawat added that Tourism and Sports Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn has sent an invitation to Michelin Guide to try Hat Yai fried chicken. The minister hopes the dish would help drive the tourism industry in Songkhla.

President Alvi emphasises sustained engagement with US

by www.thenews.com.pk Leave a Comment

ISLAMABAD: The newly appointed envoys of the United States of America (USA), Turkiye, Australia, European Union (EU), Bhutan, and Sudan presented their credentials to President Dr Arif Alvi in a ceremony at the Aiwan-e-Sadr.

Following the presentation of the credentials, US Ambassador Donald Armin Blome, Turkish Ambassador Dr Mehmet Pacaci, Australian High Commissioner Neil Hawkins, EU Ambassador Riina Kionka, Sudanese Ambassador Salih Mohamed Ahmed Mohamed Siddig, and non-resident Ambassador of Bhutan Rinchen Kuentsyl separately called on the president.

Talking to the US ambassador, the president emphasised that a constructive and sustained engagement between the two countries on the principles of mutual respect and mutual interest was vital to promote peace, development and security in the region.

He said that this year would mark the 75th anniversary of the establishment of Pak-USA diplomatic ties which would be celebrated befittingly.

The president noted that there had been a healthy momentum of engagement between Pakistan and the USA through dialogues on the climate change, health, energy, Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA).

“We encourage US companies to invest in Pakistan and reap dividends from the lucrative benefits offered by Pakistan’s special economic zones”, he said.

President Alvi highlighted that Pakistan was actively involved in engagement with its diaspora in the USA in the tech sector and was desirous of more tech sector investments from the US companies.

Talking to the Turkish ambassador, the president noted with satisfaction the convergence between the two countries on critical issues, including Kashmir, Northern Cyprus, Islamophobia, and Afghanistan.

He said that both countries would celebrate the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two brotherly countries, on November 30, this year.

He further underlined that Pakistan remained committed to furthering bilateral trade and investment ties with Turkiye.

In a meeting with the Australian high commissioner, the president said that Pakistan offered attractive investment opportunities in different sectors.

“The Australian companies can invest in infrastructure development, agriculture, renewable energy, mining, manufacturing, water and waste management”, the president said.

He stated that Pakistan offered a large pool of highly skilled human resources in many areas with professionals qualified from top Pakistani and Western Universities.

He also expressed satisfaction over the ample educational opportunities being offered in Australia for Pakistani students.

Talking to the EU ambassador, the president stated that Pakistan valued its relations with the regional bloc and was satisfied that Pak-EU relations were moving in a positive direction in all spheres of coordination.

“Economic and trade ties are the key feature of Pakistan and EU multidimensional relationship”, the president said.

He highlighted that GSP+ had been a mutually beneficial scheme and had played an important role in the expansion of Pak-EU bilateral trade.

He further said that Pakistan saw the GSP+ scheme as a constructive engagement for the betterment of its economy and promoting its economic agenda.

Talking to the Sudanese ambassador, the president appreciated the historically fraternal ties, bilateral cooperation, and coordination at OIC and UN between the two countries.

In a meeting with non-resident ambassador of Bhutan, the president said that Pakistan took immense pride in its rich Buddhist heritage.

“Pakistan is home to the second most sacred site in Buddhism in Swat, which is the birthplace of Guru Padmasambhawa (better known as the second Buddha)”, he highlighted.

The president said that Pakistan would welcome religious tourism from Bhutan, which would help promote people-to-people contact between the two countries.

He reassured the ambassador that Pakistan would continue to assist Bhutan in the development of its human resources by offering courses in Pakistan’s professional institutions. President Alvi congratulated the envoys on their appointments and expressed the hope that they would make efforts to further broaden bilateral relations with Pakistan in different fields.

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Almost 50pc of Hobart’s short-stay accommodation used to be long-term rentals, report finds

by www.abc.net.au Leave a Comment

Tourists Isabelle Milsom and Kieran Parker did not consider staying at a hotel when they planned their trip to Hobart.

Key points:

  • Greater Hobart is “overloaded” with short-term rentals, a report has found
  • Its proportion of such rentals is 6.8 times more than Sydney’s, and 4.5 times greater than Melbourne’s
  • 47 per cent of Hobart’s short-stay properties were previously long-term rentals

They quickly settled on two short-stay properties so they could explore the state’s south, with the first stop in Ridgeway.

“A lot of the time we’ll stay at a property out in whoop-whoop sort of thing, so Airbnb is good for that, finding people’s backyard granny flats and things like that,” Ms Milsom said.

The Wollongong couple said they had no trouble finding accommodation options.

“I think the hardest thing was just picking one,” Mr Parker said.

“There was a lot around, so we just had to make a decision.”

A new report commissioned by Shelter Tasmania has found that while the glut of short-stay options might be good for tourists, it has had impacts on people searching for houses to rent.

The report, from the University of Sydney’s Peter Phibbs, found greater Hobart was “overloaded” with short-term rentals, which were equivalent to 5.65 per cent of the area’s residential rental market.

That rate was 6.8 times more than Sydney, and 4.5 times greater than Melbourne.

The study also found 47 per cent of Hobart’s short-stay properties were previously long-term rentals.

Professor Phibbs said that trend reflected how attractive Hobart was to tourists.

“Tourists are prepared to spend a lot of money to stay for a couple of days in Hobart,” he said.

“That’s pushed short-term rental rates up, which has made it attractive for investors to park their property in the short-term rental market, rather than the long-term market.”

But he said it resulted directly in renters finding it harder to find a place.

“There might be 30 or 40 households trying to get the one long-term rental property, so as a result their search is longer, harder and the outcome for them a lot of times is more expensive rents,” he said.

Short-stay accommodation crucial to economy, Airbnb says

Shelter Tasmania chief executive Pattie Chugg said the report provided clear evidence that finding affordable rentals was becoming increasingly tough all around the state.

“I think now with this new report we would be really asking our state government to take notice of this and look at some ways of making some changes around regulation,” she said.

Housing Minister Guy Barnett said the state government had largely got the balance of short and long-term accommodation right, but it was holding a housing roundtable to hear new ideas.

“It’s a tough, tight rental market at the moment,” he said.

“We’re very aware of that and that’s why we’re having the roundtable to get the feedback,” he said.

In a statement, an Airbnb country manager Susan Wheeldon said short-stay accommodation was crucial to the state’s economy.

“While short-term rentals generally comprise a tiny proportion of the overall property market, including less than one per cent of that in Greater Hobart, we’re keen to keep finding ways that we can make a positive contribution to this important issue,” she said.

The Hobart City Council voted to limit the issuing of short-stay permits in a bid to boost long-term rental availability, but Ms Wheeldon said the biggest ways to do so were by decreasing the numbers of unoccupied properties in the state and boosting housing stock.

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