Australians are being urged to take holidays in regional Australia once the ongoing bushfires show signs of recession in order to help communities up and down the country to recover through tourism revenues and ongoing business.
The call came from BWH Hotel Group Managing Director, Graham Perry, who represents Best Western Hotels and Resorts, Sure Stay and World Hotels as part of the BWH Hotel Group parent brand in Australasia.
Perry, who has previously held senior executive roles with See Australia and Inland NSW Tourism, said tourism plays a critical role in helping a town recover economically from natural disasters.
“The unprecedented impact of these early bushfires, coupled with a crippling drought, has meant that it’s immensely important that we band together to support our regional areas,” Perry said.
“Travelling to affected areas, but only once the danger has passed provides much needed moral support and income into local businesses and assists with the rebuilding efforts.
“Visitation puts vital income back into the area, keeping businesses open and wages to local staff being paid. It’s also important to remember that regional Australia offers amazing experiences – whether coastal or inland – to suit so many holiday styles, so holidaying within Australia is not a tough ask. It should be something we all seek to do anyway!”
While many hotels have been spared by the ferocious fires, Perry said visitor numbers have been significantly impacted, especially in areas such as Coffs Harbour and Batemans Bay.
“Guests will be welcomed with open arms as long as they remain sensitive to the needs of the local community in terms of fire alerts and water consumption,” Perry added.
The Best Western boss provided a list of ways tourists can remain sensitive to a local community’s water consumption restrictions during a visit, meaning they did not need to delay a trip until after the drought breaks. These included putting a bucket in the shower with you and using the excess water for local gardens; bringing bottled water; not requiring daily housekeeping and turning off taps to prevent excess water from being wasted while shaving or brushing teeth.