By Luke Voogt
Bookings have increased dramatically at Geelong, Surf Coast and Bellarine Peninsula hotels and caravan parks amid plans to allow Melburnians to travel to regional Victoria.
Novotel Geelong sales director Karen Jackson welcomed Premier Daniel Andrews’ recent announcement that the state government’s ‘ring of steel’ around Melbourne would end on November 8.
“This news triggered an increase in bookings [and] we cannot wait to welcome guests back through our doors,” she said.
“The easing of Melbourne’s restrictions for Geelong is terrific, especially for local businesses and jobs, and will give the region a much-needed boost.
“The easing of restrictions is vital for the survival of many businesses in Geelong.
“There is strong potential for domestic tourism, which is currently limited by border restrictions.
“We are hopeful that the summer months will bring visitors back to our beautiful region.”
The pandemic had devastated the industry and impacted hotel employees, Ms Jackson said.
“Lockdown restrictions have meant bookings at the Novotel Geelong have been subdued.
“The severity of the situation meant that we have had to take difficult but necessary protective measures, including reducing hours for some members of our team.
“We have done everything we can to minimise the impact of the current environment on our teams.”
The state government’s easing of restrictions a few weeks ago allowing regional Victorians to travel had also helped the industry recover slightly, Ms Jackson said.
“We have seen bookings pick up in accommodation from regional Victorians that are taking advantage of exploring the region.”
Novotel had introduced “some of the most stringent cleanliness standards in the industry” and 16 new protocols to prevent any potential spread of COVID-19, Ms Jackson said.
Down on the Surf Coast, BIG4 Aireys Inlet caravan park manager Melissa McDonald also welcomed Mr Andrews’ announcement.
“It’s been pretty busy actually,” she said
“We’re not full at the moment but it’s certainly starting to fill up now.
“The phone definitely started ringing as soon as both announcements came out.”
The caravan park had been closed for months before regional Victorians were allowed to travel again, Ms McDonald said.
“We could take essential travellers but Aireys Inlet doesn’t get many essential travellers.”
JobKeeper had been “a lifeline” allowing her to keep all staff employed, she said.
“That allowed things to just keep ticking over,” she said.
“We’ve done a lot of grounds work and painting.”
Ms McDonald hoped for “a good Christmas” for the caravan park, which under normal circumstances relies heavily on Melbourne travellers.
“We’re relieved and excited to see people back in the park,” she said.
“We’re a little bit unsure about how people are going to behave but so far we’ve been lucky.
“People have been so happy to be out that they’re all behaving and following the rules.”
