Border reopening will be a massive tourism boost says Premier

The reopening of Australia’s international borders to fully vaccinated travellers will be a massive boost to tourism, investment and trade, according to NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet.

Mr Perrottet welcomed the federal government’s further easing of international restrictions.

The change comes into place on February 21.

Mr Perrottet said this change would provide further momentum to the NSW government’s recovery roadmap and the return of foreign investment.

“The NSW government has led the progressive return of international students and through Investment NSW is underway with a range of initiatives aimed at welcoming more international businesses to the state,” Mr Perrottet said.

Minister for Enterprise, Investment and Trade, Minister for Tourism and Sport Stuart Ayres said this was a massive leap for NSW tourism and international investment opportunities.

“Tourism and hospitality operators will welcome the opening of international borders after two incredibly difficult years. This means more jobs, stronger businesses and a faster economic recovery across NSW,” Mr Ayres said.

“The world is moving quickly and this is another critical step towards NSW getting back to normal and us living with the virus.”

All foreign visitors to Australia will have to provide proof that they have received the full course of an approved COVID-19 vaccine.

Unvaccinated travellers would still need to apply for a travel exemption to come to Australia and undergo hotel quarantine if they were granted permission to enter the country.

NSW government caps on quarantine for unvaccinated travellers will continue to apply.