The Queensland Regional Tourism Network has weighed in on the debate regarding airline diversity, launching a 'Keep the Air Fair' campaign.

The arrival of Covid-19 has had an unprecedented impact on Australia’s aviation sector, with Virgin's future remaining clouded despite the announcement of a short-term assistance package by the Federal Government and expressions of interest by Queensland and other state governments to support its retention,

Queensland Regional Tourism Network Chair, Simon Latchford, said while there had been "great efforts" made by all levels of Government to provide stimulus packages and relief measures for small businesses across Queensland and the whole of Australia, the tourism industry would face specific challenges over the short and longer terms, with international and interstate markets effectively cut-off by government bans and restrictions.

"Aviation and tourism have been disproportionately affected by Covid-19," he said.

"A competitive airline sector must be maintained if Queensland – and most Australian – regional destinations are to recover.

"We urge Federal and State Governments to consider the future of Virgin Airways as a matter of urgency, so that a competitive aviation sector is retained, and in doing so, supports one of the most significant industries and job generators in Queensland and Australia."

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Queensland Regional Tourism Network Chair, Simon Latchford. Source: Queensland Regional Tourism Network Chair

According to QRTN, the 13 Queensland regional tourism bodies supported a $25.5 billion industry in 2019, comprising 57,000 businesses and 236,000 people. 

Mr Latchford said the fallout from the collapse of Ansett in 2002 should serve as a reminder of what was at stake.

"The tourism industry understands the complexities associated with governments supporting a specific industry sector, but the demise of Ansett taught us many lessons that must never be forgotten, the most crucial of which is the importance of maintaining a multi-airline structure in Australia and having a truly competitive aviation environment," he said.

"The demise of Ansett saw the loss of many regional routes, which in turn stymied regional tourism development and investment - that can’t happen again.

"Once the virus has been constrained to an acceptable levels that will see our borders re-opened, we will require suitable and sufficient infrastructure in place, immediately deployable, in order to ensure tourism and business can recover quickly and for the long term."

"Aviation is without doubt the lifeblood of the tourism industry and connector of business, freight and development."

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