It’s no secret that the tourism industry has been one of the hardest hit from the COVID-19 pandemic.
In Victoria, the tourism economy is expected to shrink from $32 billion in 2019 to just $9 billion this year.
Tourism Greater Geelong and The Bellarine (TGGB) has seen its role as supporting the industry to navigate this period of restriction, and plan for a recovery that will help businesses get back on their feet.
The board waived membership fees from March until the end of 2020 and businesses that subscribed get a free listing on the official website for 12 months.
TGGB acting executive director Tracy Carter says she has seen the local tourist industry respond to the many challenges.
“We’ve been proud to see the tourism industry roll up its sleeves and respond to the crisis with agility and great support for each other,” she said.
“Many tourism businesses have been able to pivot quite successfully, like the takeaway and delivery model for hospitality operators. Others have used the JobKeeper support to initiate and trial new business models or improve their infrastructure ready for a better visitor experience when guests can return.”
Ms Carter says all TGGB’s training and development activities are available for all subscribed businesses until the end of the year.
TGGB has been supported by City of Greater Geelong funding for specific recovery marketing campaigns to be implemented as soon as travel restrictions are lifted in Victoria.
“The tourism industry is incredibly resilient and full of positive characters, but it will need support for some time yet to regain its footing and start to grow again,” Ms Carter says.
“The local community can play a role in helping the industry by supporting businesses who’d usually rely on visitors.
“That might be using local retail and hospitality more than you normally would, inviting friends and family to visit here or even indulging in a stay-cation in the region when accommodation is open again.”
