North Queensland sailing operators ready for tourists to return with COVID-19 Jobs Support Loan

Sailaway operators Steve and Katrina Edmondson would normally welcome up to 25,000 tourists a year to the reef, 60% of which were international, but restrictions meant their luxury vessels were grounded. .  

A COVID-19 Jobs Support Loan has helped pay on-going costs to keep the marine and eco-tourism operators of 17 years afloat until tourism can return to the reef. It has also helped support 14 skilled staff including skippers, marine biologists and master reef guides.  

The loan scheme administered by the Queensland Rural and Industry Development Authority (QRIDA), provides finance of up to $250,000 for businesses and non-profit organisations impacted by COVID-19 to assist with carry-on expenses such as employee wages, rent and rates and other expenditure. 

Mrs Edmondson said while the business was impacted from travel restrictions and not drawing an income, there were extensive on-going costs and refunds which had to be paid.  

“We couldn’t have planned for COVID, it closed us basically overnight and we had to do an immediate shut down of all the operations,” she said.  

“We had to issue mass refunds and cancellations which was very hard to manage our way through and came with a huge financial loss. The impact has been extreme. Our priority was paying our staff entitlement and local suppliers.  

“We have huge fixed costs like insurance, the marina births and the rental shop so it’s costing us a big amount just to exist. The boats have now been idle for three months and need regular maintenance which is costing us money and to make sure they are ready when we resume operations. It’s not a downturn, it’s a complete impact.” 

Mrs Edmondson said the COVID-19 Jobs Support Loan allowed the business to be ready for the next tourism season in Port Douglas.  

“We used the loan to issue refunds to customers, pay our staff entitlements and our local suppliers,” she said. 

“The loan came as a really good lifeline and allowed us to have the cash in the bank to meet our commitments. It’s also assisting our cash flow to get us operating again.” 

 “When I applied for the loan it was a lifesaver. We are a small family business and without hindsight, it was difficult to budget for such an extreme disruption to operations and income.  

“Small businesses in Australia are vital to the economy, it’s our livelihood and we have a lot at stake. 

Mrs Edmondson said they invested heavily in destination marketing to international tourism markets but the industry was relying on the domestic market more than ever while borders were closed and travel restricted. 

“We have four luxury catamarans that take people out to the Great Barrier Reef for snorkelling and sailing. Our market is primarily the western market, including Europe, America, Canada, the UK and New Zealand,” she said. 

“We have been sailing, diving and snorkelling all our lives and my family was in the marine tourism industry. We’ve been doing it forever and we really enjoy connecting with people and bringing people together to share the excitement of the Great Barrier Reef. It’s really special to allow all parts of the wold to experience the wonders of the reef in a safe environment.  

“We feel very lucky to be able to do that, it’s a privilege to have up to 25,000 people a year to the reef with up to five departures a day.” 

She said new procedures were in place with their COVIDSafe plan to make sure domestic tourists could experience the Great Barrier Reef safely and comfortably. 

“We have implemented new procedures and training to make sure our staff and guests are comfortable in the new environment,” she said.  

“It’s not going to be the same as it was before. We need to adapt and that’s where smaller group numbers are going to be our saving grace.” 

“We are living for that moment when we can get back to doing what we do best.” 

Existing COVID-19 Jobs Support Loan clients can find important information about the ongoing management of their loans on the COVID-19 Jobs Support Loan page. 

QRIDA is delivering the $1 billion COVID-19 Jobs Support Loan Scheme on behalf of the Queensland Government.