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COVID SAFE CHECK FOR BUSINESSES NOW LIVE
Businesses can now check, test and promote their COVID Safe credentials through the NSW Government’s online COVID Safe Check.
Businesses are encouraged to visit the NSW Government’s COVID Safe Business webpage to undertake three easy steps:
- Complete a COVID-19 Safety Plan following the industry-specific or general guidelines provided. Businesses can use the PDF template available online or create their own plan. Plans are not required to be submitted, however Public Health Orders state that some businesses must keep a copy of the plan on premises
- Self register as a COVID Safe business - must have completed a COVID-19 Safety Plan
- Show that the business is COVID Safe on premises (downloadable posters) and online (digital badges for use on social media, website and Google Maps)
The current industry-specific guidelines are relevant to some tourism operators including:
- Caravan parks and camping grounds
- Drive-in cinemas
- Markets: artisan, clothing, craft (non-food)
- Museums and galleries
- Pubs, clubs, bars, breweries and casinos
- Restaurants and cafes
- Zoos, reptile parks and aquariums
Other businesses that are not impacted by current restrictions should follow the guidelines for “all other industries” and check the page regularly for updates.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the online tool would help businesses get back to work safely.
“With the recent easing of restrictions thousands of businesses are reopening their doors and welcoming back customers,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“We have put industry specific information under the one roof, including downloadable badges for businesses with COVID Safe plans to display in their premises, so customers know they have the tick of approval.
“Customers can also use the tool to provide feedback in real-time. Feedback is sent to the business and, if necessary, to the regulator for action.”
Minister for Customer Service Victor Dominello said COVID Safe plans might include physical distancing, cleaning and record keeping requirements.
“Once businesses have completed the steps and finalised their COVID Safe plan they will be able to complete an online self-declaration,” Mr Dominello said.
“Businesses will also be provided with advice on how to integrate their COVID Safe status with Google Maps, giving customers a bird’s-eye view of COVID Safe businesses when searching online. This gives them peace of mind and an incentive for businesses to register.”
More restrictions are eased in NSW from tomorrow allowing food courts, fitness centres and gyms, some indoor recreation facilities (pools and saunas) and community centres to reopen with conditions. Further, the number of people allowed to gather outdoors increases to 20, while 20 people can visit a private residence. See the latest health and government advice.
TRAVELLERS SHOW THE LOVE FOR NSW
NSW’s tourism industry has welcomed early signs of recovery with steady regional visitation over the Queen’s Birthday long weekend and a consistent increase in VisitNSW web and social activity.
Operators across the state enjoyed strong visitation last weekend, with many accommodation providers reporting 100% occupancy and cellar doors at capacity for wine tastings and record sales.
G’DAY Group - owners of Discovery Holiday Parks and Top Parks - said NSW had the strongest rebound rate of all states when comparing average bookings per day during the most impacted months (March and April) and bookings following the easing of local travel restrictions.
G’DAY Group Chief Executive Grant Wilckens said a clear and simple pathway to re-opening in NSW meant a number of the company’s properties sold out for the long weekend, with the July school holidays following a similar pattern.
“We’re particularly thrilled with the way we are rebounding in NSW. The State Government has been really encouraging people to get out and visit the regions and communicated a clear and simple plan for re-opening for tourism.”
Destination NSW’s tourism recovery campaign Now’s The Time To Love NSW continues to drive interest among travellers.
Organic search traffic on VisitNSW is up 103 per cent since 20 May 2020 when the NSW Government announced intrastate travel restrictions would be lifted. Organic search traffic is up 32 per cent on the same time last year, and visits to road trip content on the website is up 259 per cent since 20 May.
This week Destination NSW also launched its first ever augmented reality filter on Instagram and Facebook, inviting followers to find out which NSW holiday experience they should plan next.
The interactive tool showcases some of the state’s iconic travel highlights, from surfing on the Central Coast or hiking in the Blue Mountains to skiing in the Snowy Mountains and a luxury getaway on the North Coast.
The Destination NSW first builds on an engaging program of social media content, that has seen an 80 per cent spike in the use of #LoveNSW in the past fortnight.
Follow the three steps below to try the filter:
NSW GOVERNMENT KEEPS GLASS HALF FULL FOR INDEPENDENT BREWER
Independent brewers hit by drought, bushfire and COVID-19 will benefit from a special support package to help weather the next 12 months.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW, Industry and Trade John Barilaro announced $135,000 to provide resources and support to the industry through the Independent Brewers Association this week.
“Two thirds of our state’s craft breweries are located in regional NSW and have been doing it tough throughout COVID as they rely so heavily on tourism and taprooms for survival,” Mr Barilaro said.
“Regional breweries play a significant role providing employment locally and as the focal point for community activities. They also bring additional business and visitors, attracted by their natural ingredients, artisan products and innovation.
The package will cover one year’s annual membership funds, allowing the Association to continue providing services to over 150 independent brewing operations, including supporting a range of initiatives to foster growth as they rebuild after COVID.
Independent Brewers Association Chairman Peter Philip said the funding would help the industry rebuild.
“Some have lost nearly all of their revenue due to the pandemic. This grant will provide a much-needed stimulus for the path to recovery for our members,” Mr Philip said.
CARAVAN AND CAMPING RESURGENCE IN NSW
The Caravan Industry Association of Australia has identified a strong, sustainable surge in caravan park visits and occupancy as travel resumes across NSW.
Weekly Accommodation Data for the Caravan Industry indicates a strong resurgence is already taking place, highlighting the rapid uptake and important contribution to the recovery of regional NSW’s visitor economy.
Cabin occupancy around Australia increased by 61 per cent last week, compared to the previous week. NSW recorded the largest week-to-week increase of 185 per cent.
Powered site occupancy has also grown exponentially - NSW saw a 300 per cent spike in occupancy, the most significant increase of all states.
Caravan Industry Association of Australia CEO Stuart Lamont said: “Coming from ground zero, this early data shows real green-shoots are occurring in caravanning which is now driving our tourism industry forward.”
Caravan and Camping Industry Association of NSW CEO Lyndel Gray said: “Travel over the Queen’s Birthday Long Weekend was up strongly, particularly in NSW coastal destinations, providing a much needed boost to our regional communities. After weeks of being cooped up at home Aussies are keen to explore the great outdoors again, and a caravan and camping holiday is the best way to do it. Just step outside your cabin, RV or tent and you’re there.”
TAFE LAUNCHES TOURISM RECOVERY PROJECT
The TAFE NSW Tourism and Experience Services SkillsPoint are working on a project to develop training that will assist the travel and tourism industries return to prosperity.
TAFE NSW has undertaken detailed consultation with a number of thought leaders in the industry to gain a deeper understanding of the skills required for a rapid recovery.
Before launching the program, the team are testing current insights with industry through a targeted survey.
The survey asks tourism operators to consider disaster recovery and rate the importance of skill development across various aspects of:
- Leadership and management
- Sales and marketing
- Operations and;
- Other skills
The results of the survey will inform the training response from TAFE NSW, enabling the organisation to direct resources where they will provide the greatest value to industry.
Businesses can assist by completing the survey TAFE NSW Rapid Recovery for Travel and Tourism Survey by Friday 19 June, 2020.
SKI SEASON READY TO ROLL IN SNOWY MOUNTAINS
With just over a week until ski season kicks off in the Snowy Mountains, Destination NSW has produced a handy guide for holiday makers about some of the changes on site.
As a result of COVID-19, the season is starting later than usual however with cooler weather fast approaching local tourism operators should prepare for a spike in bookings over the coming days. Snowy Mountain communities and resorts look forward to welcoming visitors soon, with the first precinct - Thredbo - opening on 22 June.
VisitNSW.com has published advice for visitors to make their 2020 ski experience as smooth sailing as possible including information about:
- Season dates
- Tickets and season passes
- Lessons
- Hotels and lodges
- Dining and apres ski
There is also information about the three NSW ski resorts - Thredbo, Perisher and Charlotte Pass - with links to accommodation providers.
Travellers are also encouraged to contact operators ahead of arrival to confirm bookings and understand any local COVID-safe requirements. The latest health and Government advice is available at NSW.gov.au.
