COVID-19 Update 6/05/2020

Crisis – Recovery – Opportunity

Very slowly the gloomy, relentless disaster media coverage seems to be interspersed with signs of hope. Over the last few days, tourism has emerged a topic associated with the process of recovery both in national and state government statements. As vital as all the immediate government support measures are for each tourism operator, and QTIC fought very hard for that support, the only thing that will sustain the industry in the long-run is a return to business.

We are working closely with government to encourage and facilitate a timely re-opening of tourism and hospitality. We are in daily contact with the Tourism Minister, Kate Jones and also the Premier’s Office to identify the most important steps to bring about the best possible outcome for the community that depends so much on tourism.

Today QTIC will host the first meeting of an Industry Standards and Safety Working Group, bringing together representatives from all major tourism and hospitality sectors. The purpose of the group is to assemble a comprehensive suite of best-practice guidelines for operators in all tourism and hospitality settings. We will build on existing work done by some sector associations and identify gaps that need to filled. QTIC has engaged qualified health experts, endorsed by the government, who will bring the necessary expertise to the task. This urgent work that will allow us to present to governments an inclusive and comprehensive, industry-led approach to public health management in tourism. It is intended to give the Premier, and the Chief Health Officer, the confidence to accelerate the easing of travel restrictions. It will also reassure all your potential customers that tourism cares and knows how to keep visitors safe.

Tomorrow QTIC will join the Premier for a meeting to discuss the priorities for tourism as Queensland prepares for the long road from crisis to recovery and – ultimately – new opportunities. The effective partnership we have with the Queensland Government has never been more important than now. Our current challenge is much bigger than politics. This is a community in crisis, looking for a way forward that can offer hope for years to come. Hope for our businesses and hope for a positive way of life for all of us. Tourism can offer a lot to drive recovery and opportunity.

 QTA Important Announcement

After consultation with previous entrants, sponsors and other stakeholders we had to make the very difficult decision to cancel this year’s Queensland Tourism Awards. This is the first time in awards history that we will not come together to celebrate operators’ excellence. Like so many other aspects of our industry, ‘normal’ no longer applies this year and the awards program was not viable under the current circumstances. This is a huge disappointment to us and to many operators, some of whom were actually keen to get into the process. We will be back with the program bigger and better next year, fully committed to supporting excellence in business.

We are keeping the option open to hold some kind of event in place of the Queensland Awards night, with date, place and format yet to be discussed.

At the same time our national organisation, the Australian Tourism Industry Council (ATIC) had to reach the same conclusion (ATIC release here) in relation to the Australia Tourism Awards. Sadly, the national event was planned for March next year on the Sunshine Coast. It is our hope and expectations that we will be back on the Sunshine Coast for the same event in the following year.

We regret any disappointment caused and re-affirm our commitment to the awards program as an essential part not just of our industry’s history but also of its successful and re-born future.

Free COVID-19 Business Recovery Planning Tool

The QTIC and the Australian Tourism Industry Council (ATIC) have launched an online tool to help businesses develop their own COVID-19 Business Recovery Plan. The new module is free to access for all QLD tourism businesses and can be accessed via the Quality Tourism Australia accreditation portal.

This new module is brought to you by QTIC and ATIC under the Quality Tourism Framework as a self-led business development tool which supports you to undertake critical thinking on the current situation and in preparation for the various stages of recovery as isolation and travel restrictions are gradually lifted.
 
The Recovery Plan focuses on five key activities:

  • Assessing the current situation
  • Developing a business continuity action plan
  • Staff management
  • Financial analysis
  • Operational recovery
  • Marketing and communications

The information documented in this module is exportable into a downloadable Recovery Plan for the business to use over the coming months. It can be adapted at any time in the online system.

When will it be available? NOW
Cost: Currently FREE for all QLD tourism businesses
Where: The COVID-19 Business Recovery Plan can be accessed via the QTIC-ATIC Quality Tourism Australia accreditation portal here
How: Register as a new user (or log in to your existing account) and proceed to the “APPLY NOW” menu at the bottom of your dashboard. Select “COVID-19 Business Recovery Plan” in the menu and click APPLY.

Any questions? Please contact accreditation@qtic.com.au for more information.

Vehicle Registration Waivers

The Department of Transport and Main Roads have the following temporary changes in place to help you:

How Hostplus is responding to COVID-19


‘I want to reassure you, our members and contributing employers, that we are actively monitoring and managing these unprecedented circumstances to ensure that your hard-earned retirement savings continue to be well managed and in good hands.’  - David Elia, Chief Executive Officer

COVID-19 Resources for Queensland Startups


Queensland Chief Entrepreneur has put together some resources to specifically help startup businesses during this time. Resources include information on support loans, adapting your business model, connecting to local Government support, making financial decisions and more. 

                                                  Office of the Queensland Chief Entrepreneur

Click Here

Coronavirus update: COVID-19 Disputes before the FWC


As a result of the new Coronavirus Economic Response Package Omnibus being passed into law in mid-April 2020, temporary changes have been made to the Fair Work Act 2009  to enable employers to make directions and requests in relation to their employees’ working conditions. The changes have also brought with them a new jurisdiction of dispute resolution, managed by the Fair Work Commission.

To read more of this article supplied by FBC click here. 
 

24 Month Fee Waiver for ATDW account

In response to the unprecedented crisis facing the industry, QTIC members and Accredited operators can access the ATDW (Australian Tourism Data Warehouse) for free for 24 months.  The fee waiver will be applied on Friday 15 May 2020 and will extend membership by 24 months from your next renewal date. To qualify for the fee waiver, you must be a member of ATDW on 15 May 2020.

There is no action to take if you are an ATDW member on 15 May 2020. However please take note of the following:

  • If your ATDW membership renewal date occurs prior to 15 May 2020, you will need to renew your membership to qualify for the fee waiver.
  • If your renewal date occurs in the period of 15 May – 15 June 2020, please disregard any emails to renew your membership which are sent automatically from ATDW Online.

If you have any questions about this special offer please contact memberships@qtic.com.au.