Australians have got out and about in massive numbers during the first Easter not impacted by border closures and snap lockdowns since 2019.

An estimated four million people across the country flew or drove for a long weekend escape, in a $7.1 billion boost for the tourism industry.

Deputy chairman of the Australian Tourism Industry Council, Daniel Gschwind, says “people really took advantage of the long Easter weekend” and there are hopes tourism activity will also be high during the Anzac Day long weekend.

But Mr Gschwind says there are “clearly” challenges for tourism operators.

“We simply haven’t got enough people to deal with the opportunities that present themselves now,” he said.

Press PLAY below to hear about the challenges