Skift Take
Bookings to Australia from international markets such as Asia, where millions will be traveling during the upcoming Chinese New Year holiday season, are said to be holding up. A lot of businesses are hoping that’s the case. Australia can do with some cheer.
Much is at stake for Australia’s tourism industry as its international markets watch the unfolding of “apocalyptic” bushfires, waiting to decide whether to go ahead with bookings or postpone when the timing is better and happier. The Asian business, in particular, is entering the peak Lunar New Year holidays in three weeks.
The country's tourism arm, Tourism Australia, asserts that international tourism has not been impacted by the wildfires disaster, a claim that is supported by Asian tour operators that told Skift they too aren’t seeing cancellations for Australia.
But with global media coverage portraying a country ravaged by wildfires, and with most governments including Singapore, the UK, and the U.S. having a note of caution for citizens planning to visit Australia even if the note isn’t a travel advisory, it is unlikely that some foreign tourists would not be reconsidering.
News of how the bushfires are impacting resorts directly are also starting to filter through the industry and affect bookings. At least two of Australia’s iconic luxury resorts that cater to international markets have been forced to close.
Southern Ocean Lodge on South Australia’s Kangaroo Island, a popular tourism area with Asian travelers, has sustained “significant damage by bushfire and the property is now closed,” a statement on its website said.
“Currently, a reopening date has not been determined. The Southern Ocean Lodge team will embark on contacting guests as well as travel industry partners over the coming days to make alternative arra
