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  • More restrictions eased in travel reboot

    Author: AAP

International tourists are being urged to book Down Under flights, as restrictions are further eased in a bid to reboot Australia's pandemic-ravaged travel sector.

Nearly two years of border restrictions have crippled the once thriving industry.

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However the federal government hopes easing travel rules will entice more visitors to make the trek.

While international travellers will still need to be fully vaccinated, from April 17 they will no longer require a negative COVID test result to board a flight to Australia.

Health Minister Greg Hunt says the rule will be dropped, like the ban on cruise ships.

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Meanwhile, Australia's largest airline has launched a campaign to showcase the country as a prime international destination.

The Qantas ads feature iconic local landscapes, while the country's sporting and cultural stars sing I Still Call Australia Home with members of the Australian Girls Choir, National Boys Choir and Gondwana Choir.

Group CEO Alan Joyce says a new version of the Peter Allen classic will be the carrier's anthem.

"The full version of this advert is effectively a short film that highlights Australia's stunning natural beauty and unique culture while celebrating the incredible resilience that has really shone through recently," he said.

Trade Minister Dan Tehan on Friday announced new support for the tourism industry.

The government will provide $75.5 million for travel agents and tour arrangement service providers to continue to operate and re-book travel credits.

A further $60 million over three years will entice more visitors from new international markets, including additional support for the Business Events bid fund attracting major events to Australia.

Meanwhile the national COVID-19 caseload remains stubbornly high, driven by almost 20,000 new infections in NSW.

There were nearly 52,000 cases reported in total across the country on Saturday. There are 2159 virus patients in hospital care. Of them, 100 are in intensive care and 20 require ventilation.

Saturday's reported death toll was 30.

LATEST 24-HOUR COVID-19 DATA FROM ACROSS AUSTRALIA:

NSW: 19,843 cases, four deaths, 1177 in hospital including 44 in ICU

Victoria: 8349 cases, nine deaths, 250 in hospital including 18 in ICU

ACT: 947 cases, no deaths, 42 in hospital including three in ICU

Queensland: 9404 cases, eight deaths, 295 in hospital including 19 in ICU

Northern Territory: 306 cases, no deaths, 22 in hospital including two in ICU

Tasmania: 1695 cases, no deaths, 28 in hospital including one in ICU

South Australia: 3897 cases, seven deaths, 151 in hospital including five in ICU

Western Australia: 7535 cases, two deaths, 194 in hospital including eight in ICU.

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