Tourism chiefs want the Northern Territory government to ease strict rules for visitors and residents, which they say will ruin Christmas for tour operators and others in the industry.
Among other regulations, from December 20 the NT government wants vaccinated people to remain in approved high-vaccination zones for 14 days on arrival in the Territory.
Tourism Central Australia (TCA) chief executive Danial Rochford said the rules would stop visitors and residents from visiting key tourism destinations over the holiday period, including Uluru, Kings Canyon and the east and west MacDonnell ranges.
"I've got a lot of very anxious and very concerned tourism operators," he said.
"We're back to square one where businesses have really lost a lot of confidence and morale. I'm seeing a lot of mental health challenges.
Mr Rochford said that TCA had written to Tourism Minister Natasha Fyles calling for a central Australian tourism bubble.
"It would mean that people would be able to visit central Australia's key tourist icons," he said.
He says it will be a significant blow to the tourism industry if the requirement is not reversed.
"We're hopeful that government will listen to the concerns of the industry," he said.
Mr Rochford said many operators were distressed .
"It is the worst Christmas present the government could give us," he said.
"The rollercoaster ride that this is just unbelievable for many small business owners.
Mr Rochford is also calling on Alice Springs residents to approach the Chief Minister's office and the Minister for Tourism.
"This is the time for everyone to stand up and share their views and share their concerns.
"I think if we can collectively voice our views and government will listen," he said.
Undisclosed changes
Ms Fyles said that changes would be announced in the coming days to "provide certainty to Territorians who do wish to visit family interstate during the Christmas January holiday period".
"And of course for our tourism industry — whilst at the same time keeping our vulnerable communities and Territorians safe," she said.
Ms Fyles said the Territory was transitioning from a pandemic footing to an endemic and the uncertainty would continue.
"It has certainly been a very bumpy ride and unfortunately that will continue into the future," she said.
"But we will continue to listen closely to industry and work with them."
