End to paper arrivals cards good news for hotels
Accommodation Australia CEO James Goodwin said while the replacement of paper cards it may seem small, every improvement makes a difference
The nation’s peak accommodation body has welcomed the Federal Government’s move to finally replace paper arrivals cards for travellers with a new digital system.
Accommodation Australia CEO James Goodwin said the long-awaited change was a win for travellers and
the industry.
The latest print edition of AccomNews is out now. Read it HERE
“Having to fill in paper cards with a pen at the end of a long flight was clunky and antiquated, a move to a digital system is great news,” said Mr Goodwin.“This is another step in improving the experience of arriving travellers and while it may seem small every improvement makes a difference.
“We are competing with destinations around the world that have already modernised their airport experience. This is the first impression travellers have of our country and we all know first impressions matter.
“The easier we make the journey here; the more tourists will come and that means more jobs in the
accommodation sector. It really is that simple.”
Read more from industry voices on AccomNews HERE
The Albanese Government will provide $56.1 million over four years for traveller modernisation at airports
across Australia, after a successful trial. Since the pilot commenced in October 2024, more than 450,000 passengers on inbound Qantas flights into Brisbane, Sydney, and Melbourne have trialled the Australia Travel Declaration, with anecdotal evidence proving the trial has been a significant success.
“This is another sign the government is listening to industry and that they understand tourism is not a nice
to have, it is essential,” said Mr Goodwin. “Local and state economies rely on the tourism economy and in the current climate we need to be investing more into bringing visitors here, not cutting back.”
