Some of the largest theme parks in Australia have been forced to reduce their opening hours because of a lack of visitors.
In Queensland, many of the biggest attraction sites are having to close for several days a week because of sparse visitor numbers, both domestic and international. The sites include Wet ‘n’ Wild, WhiteWater World and the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary.
The Queensland Tourism Industry Council said the decision to reduce operating hours shows the need for theme parks to continue to receive support both at a state and federal government level.
However, tourism officials are hopeful that the rollout of the Covid-19 vaccines provides “light at the end of the tunnel” for operators that are struggling.
As Patricia O’Callaghan, chief executive of Destination Gold Coast, said: “I can’t believe we are here after 12 months of being in this situation. To finally see that vaccine rolling out, and to know the Gold Coast will be among the first to roll it out, there is starting to be a light at the end of the tunnel.”
