Some of Canberra's tourism operators say there are conflicting messages about what is required for a coronavirus safety plan that is needed for businesses to reopen.
While advice to businesses from the ACT government says that all businesses need a COVID-safe plan in order to operate, the list of businesses outlined that require such a plan does not include tourism-related businesses, outside of museums and national institutions.
Canberrans Mark and Denise Arundel operate Mulga Bicycle Tours, which runs multi-day interstate bicycle tours for tourists. They say more clarification is needed for businesses in the industry who want to resume operations.
"There has been a bit of contradictory information about what is required," Mr Arundel said.
"We've been running the business for three years and riding bikes on road can be hazardous and we're really conscious of making things safe.
"When it comes to a coronavirus safety plan, it is adding another level, as the virus ends up on surfaces and there are multiple touch points when people are on tour."
Mr Arundel said they aimed to get their business back up and running in October, after lockdowns and border restrictions stopped operations in March.
He said with tourism likely to be one of the last sectors to reopen, more certainty was needed for the industry on what was required to manage COVID-19 risks.
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"It's not just us, it's people who run lake cruises on Lake Burley Griffin or small boat operators or people who take people on tours through places like Kakadu," Mr Arundel said.
"The hardest thing is to make it go back to normal."
Businesses in the ACT that have reopened can be inspected by Access Canberra officials to ensure that coronavirus safety measures are in place.
Since stage 2 of restrictions being eased came into effect, more than 320 inspections have taken place.
Figures show more than 3400 inspections have been undertaken since restrictions were introduced in March, mostly targeting liquor stores, gyms, cafes and restaurants.
An Access Canberra spokeswoman said there was no one-size-fits-all approach to COVID-safe plans.
"We acknowledge this is a complex and challenging situation for our whole community and in particular, businesses," the spokeswoman said.
"Businesses are to be congratulated on the work they have undertaken and their commitment to complying with the restrictions that have been in place."
The spokeswoman said the guidelines for coronavirus safety plans have been well received by businesses.
"It is important that businesses have a plan as required through the public health direction," the spokeswoman said.
