THOUSANDS OF TOURISTS "FLOODED" AUSTRALIA ON THE FIRST DAY OF OPENING
More than 1.23 million people from around the world have been granted visas to enter Australia since February 21. Those who have been fully vaccinated are exempt from quarantine and can travel to most states (except Western Australia, which remains closed until March 3). Unvaccinated people are also allowed to enter, but must quarantine in a hotel for 7-14 days, depending on their health status upon arrival.
One of the first flights to Australia on February 21, shortly after the “Land of the Kangaroo” reopened to international tourism. (Photo: Nine)
In the first 24 hours since the “Land of Kangaroos” officially reopened its borders, there were about 56 flights from the UK, the US, Japan, Canada… bringing thousands of Australians back from abroad. 26 of those flights landed at Sydney International Airport - the capital city of New South Wales.
Australian Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment Dan Tehan was present at Sydney International Airport on the morning of February 21, joining in welcoming the first passengers to the "Land of Kangaroos" after more than 700 days of closure.
A traditional Australian welcome for the first visitors arriving at Sydney International Airport on the morning of February 21. (Photo: AAP/AP)
In true Australian fashion, guests were greeted by Surf and Rescue staff, who handed out jars of Vegemite and koala souvenirs, while Qantas’ Kangaroo mascot waved warmly and renowned DJ Sasha Moon performed a mix of heartwarming Aussie classics.
Many smiles mixed with emotional tears, tight hugs, sweet kisses… took place in an open and warm atmosphere, since the first Qantas flight from Los Angeles (USA) landed at Sydney International Airport at 6:30 am on February 21.
EXPERIENCE POPULAR AUSTRALIAN DESTINATIONS WITH A NEW LOOK
“We took the first flight to see our daughter and granddaughter, now almost three years old, whom we hadn't seen since she was one month old,” said Canadian couple Doug and Joanne.
Japanese tourist Kimmy and her 5-year-old daughter Bibby expressed their joy when they landed at Sydney airport: "We came here for a holiday. It's exciting because this is Bibby's first time on a plane."
Mr. and Mrs. Yin and Chi Lam (right) welcomed their daughter and grandchild from New York (USA) to Sydney International Airport on February 21, right after Australia reopened its borders. (Photo: Guardian)
Australia closed its borders in March 2020 to prevent the increase in Covid-19 infections. The strict lockdown has earned the “Land of Kangaroos” the nickname “Fortress Australia”. According to estimates by the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, this policy has cost businesses about 3.6 billion USD per month. Among the industries that have been particularly severely affected is the tourism industry.
Tourism has long been a growth engine for the Australian economy. Before Covid-19, Australia welcomed 9.3 million international tourists with revenue of $44.6 billion in the 2018-2019 financial year. In the 2020-2021 financial year, tourism revenue dropped 41% to $81 billion (according totourism.australia).
The emotional and warm reunions in November 2021 at Sydney Airport were repeated on February 21, 2022, after Australia officially opened its borders completely. (Photo: Getty)
Although Australia has been gradually reopening since November 2021, the number of flights to and from the “Land of Kangaroos” is still much lower than before Covid-19. But from now on, millions of international tourists can return to experience and explore the famous destinations of the “Land of Kangaroos” with new faces.
