After two years of some of the strictest Covid travel restrictions in the world, Australia finally reopened to international visitors last Monday and is once again beginning to host international business and fan events. Travelers entering Australia must be fully vaccinated and show proof of a negative Covid test taken within 72 hours prior to the trip, which is in line with many other countries’ current requirements.
This policy shift will have a significant impact on both the local event and hospitality economies as well as the events industry at large, which can finally get back to somewhat normal business in the country after being cut off for so long. International Convention Centre Sydney held its first trade show of the year last month, and it has over 200 more in-person event scheduled between now and the end of the fiscal year.
"The return of ICC Sydney’s exhibitions calendar will reboot business opportunities during events at the venue while delivering significant benefits to Sydney and across New South Wales,” ICC Sydney CEO Geoff Donaghy said in a statement. “Direct and indirect delegate expenditure is set to boost the state economy and positively impact local businesses while our long, deep supply chain reaches out into regional areas.”
In addition, Foo Fighters will mark a significant milestone in this emerging post-pandemic world as the first international act to play a show in a full-capacity stadium in Australia since the country locked down in March 2020. Frontman Dave Grohl shared on the Late Late Show that he texted his manager as soon as he saw the news that Australia was opening its borders to organize something a show as quickly as possible, and that’s exactly what they did.
The concert, taking place on Friday at GMHBA Stadium in Geelong, Victoria, was announced a day after the restrictions were lifted and it sold out almost immediately. The venue still has strict Covid protocols in place, including requiring proof of vaccination and recommending masks, but protocols or not, this is a moment that thousands of fans have been waiting years for, and it will mark a triumphant return for live entertainment Down Under.