In the aftermath of Cyclone Alfred, Queensland and Northern NSW are preparing for heavy rains while the worst of the cyclone has passed. The Federal Government has introduced the Disaster Recovery Allowance (DRA) to provide short-term income support for those significantly affected by the disaster and facing income loss.
The DRA aims to assist employees, small business owners, and farmers who have suffered income loss due to the cyclone. Eligible tourism businesses could receive up to 13 weeks of payments from the date of income loss. It is important to note that the DRA is subject to taxation, and individuals can find more details about disaster-related support on Services Australia’s website.
In the cruise industry, Pacific Encounter is en route to Brisbane after the cancellation of its 8th March voyage, with passengers receiving full refunds. Meanwhile, Pacific Adventure has adjusted its itinerary to Eden instead of Moreton Island. Carnival Luminosa recently departed Brisbane for Airlie Beach on a new voyage.
In Tasmania, the Fred.Olsen Cruise Lines’ ship, Bolette, carrying 1300 passengers, docked in Hobart alongside P&O Pacific Adventure, accommodating 2600 passengers. Bolette, currently on a world cruise, altered its route to Hobart to avoid the cyclone-affected areas.
Gold Coast Airport reopened on Sunday, 9th March, after a three-day closure due to Cyclone Alfred. The airport, closed since Wednesday, resumed operations following safety checks and inspections, with normal services gradually resuming.
The impact of Cyclone Alfred on travel, particularly in the aviation and cruise sectors, underscores the resilience and adaptability of the industry in response to natural disasters. The recovery efforts and itinerary changes implemented by various travel operators demonstrate a commitment to passenger safety and well-being amid challenging circumstances. As regions affected by the cyclone continue to recover, the travel industry’s ability to swiftly address disruptions and ensure customer satisfaction remains crucial in maintaining trust and resilience in the face of unforeseen events.
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