TWEED SHIRE accommodation providers are rolling out the red carpet for locals to consider their next holiday right on their doorstep with some of the world’s best escape and relaxations destinations on offer.
From Monday, June 1, accommodation providers can operate with social distancing in place as the first wave of optimism begins to wash over a nervous tourism sector this week.
The NSW Government will also allow pubs, clubs, cafes and restaurants to have up to 50 customers, subject to a one person per four square metre rule.
“This decision has been made with expert health advice and both businesses and patrons will be subject to strict rules and guidelines,” NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian said.
“All customers must be seated and no bookings of more than 10 allowed, in addition to many other conditions which must be met.”
While the Queensland border remains closed to New South Wales residents, now is a great time for locals to consider booking a getaway locally.
The Weekly visited a range of accommodation providers this week to find out how the coronavirus has impacted their business and their hopes now restrictions are being wound back.
ecOasis resort owners Karissa and Peter Ball at Smiths Creek had their bookings wiped out by the pandemic, dropping to almost zero revenue overnight.
The couple’s and family retreat offers some of the most amazing views of Wollumbin Mount Warning in the shire, as well as an incredible array of wildlife, native bushland and spacious chalets.
“We were fully booked for Easter and the long weekend and then the coronavirus hit,” Mrs Ball said.
“It’s been heartbreaking to see the business drop, but we know people are coming back to enjoy it again and we’re staying positive.”
Mrs Ball said the phone, online enquiries and bookings were already picking up, but the border closure was not helping.
“We know this is a beautiful area to visit but while the border closure disrupts everything, many people from NSW can’t go to Queensland, sO we’re asking locals to take a break and experience the amazing environment around them,” she said.
Gallery Motel owners Bruce and Susan Weston have been operating their Tweed Valley Way motel for the past 16 years and love the area.
The couple endured the heavy impact of the 2017 flood, but said coronavirus packed a bigger punch financially.
Mr Weston said their business dropped by 84 per cent overnight and for two months, with only essential workers and emergency accommodation allowed.
The couple said they were eager to see things “getting back to normal” and were always welcoming of local guests.
“We lost 84 per cent of our trading revenue overnight and suddenly our income was lost,” Mr Weston said.
“Staff were let go as business expenses continued to pile up.”
Both Mr and Mrs Weston said they felt the State Government grant initiative along with the Federal Government’s stimulus have helped.
“It was a great boost having the grant from the State Government and assistance with the tax as well so we could pay our insurance bill,” Mr Weston said.
“I think the government support helped tremendously,” Mrs Weston added.
The couple are hoping to bring back some local employment as bookings continue to rise.
“We are hoping to bring back some staff as we pick up, but it’s only been slowly coming back so far,” Mr Weston said.
Another amazing escape in the Tweed Shire is Crystal Creek Rainforest Retreat which has also been rocked by the pandemic, but things are looking up at the rainforest retreat.
Assistant manager Katherine Nichols said the Retreat had just seen a recent influx of bookings.
“From now onwards we’re taking bookings all the time,” she said.
“It’s really picking up again we’re fully booked for two weeks.”
Ms Nichols said she believes the Tweed Shire makes for an incredible escape from the hustle and bustle.
“Why go overseas or to Queensland when we have this option,” she said.
“It’s almost like being overseas anyway.
“It’s great knowing you can find seclusion.”
Ms Nichols said the retreat was taking mostly Australian visitors including some from close to the shire.
“We’d lost a lot of bookings, but because of the June 1 restrictions lifting we’re seeing a big increase in bookings,” she said.
Murwillumbah & District Business Chamber Treasurer Phillip Hepburn said after two months of closure, the relaxation of the travel restrictions in NSW from June 1 is a great step in the right direction for our local accommodation owners and operators.
“Regional travel will encourage people within the State to once again visit the magnificent and diverse Tweed Shire as a holiday destination, allowing them to stay in one of the many accommodation venues that the region offers,” he said.
Tweed Tourism Co General Manager Brad Nardi said the State Government announcements that travel within NSW is back on the cards from Monday, June 1, along with increased patron numbers of up to 50 for restaurants, “has given a much-needed boost of optimism for Tweed’s tourism businesses”.
“Operators are excited to reopen their doors and welcome guests back, taking care that this is in line with the new regulations and COVID-Safe practices,” he said.
“We know that intrastate travel will initially lead the state’s tourism recovery. To this end, we’ll be rolling out our marketing plans within NSW to activate this first phase, including a new series of product-rich drive itineraries themed around food, art, nature and heritage.
“While we clearly need to support public health regulations as our first priority, we do see the border conditions as incredibly important for tourism businesses on each side.
“In the meantime we’re expecting that NSW residents will be keen to get out and support the regions of NSW, planning visits and roadtrips close to home that have been added to the holiday to-do list over recent months.”
YOUR THOUGHTS: Are you planning on taking a local holiday? The Weekly would love to hear your experience and where did you stay? Send your thoughts and letters to editor@theweekly.net.au
