Pre-departure testing removal fantastic, time for big business’s return
FCM, Flight Centre Travel Group’s flagship global corporate travel management brand, has today welcomed the Federal Government’s announcement that pre-departure testing for international arrivals will be removed from 17 April, 2022, and has called for big businesses to return to the skies.
According to Trade and Investment at a Glance 2019, created by the Department for Foreign Affairs and Trade, exports grew to $438.1 billion in 2018 and foreign investment was at record levels – this demonstrated that Australian exporters has the ability to navigate challenging global economic conditions at the time and foreign investors were confident about investing here, then.
“The removal of pre-departure tests for international arrivals is the last major step in Australia truly reopening to the world for corporate travel – big businesses now have the confidence to book and fly without the fear of last minute cancellations,” said FCM General Manager Australia Melissa Elf.
“We’ve already seen small-to-medium sized enterprises roaring back to recruitment, events, and trade since domestic borders reopened as they recognise this is their window of opportunity to make big leaps forward – now is the time for big business to do the same.
“A number of us have recently travelled internationally and it’s remarkable the difference that no need for pre-departure test results has meant for people wanting to travel – now this hurdle has been removed, corporates can get back to face-to-face, a critical business function.
“The Australian economy faces some challenges in the coming years, so attracting skilled workers and substantial export deals to our shores will be more critical than ever – we’ve seen through our international students arrivals program the desire to come to this country is as strong as ever.
“The removal of pre-departure testing is the latest major change to travel globally and highlights the critical nature of a travel management company being on your side. Our experts are well-versed in being on-hand to deliver the most up to date information for our customers and clients.”
