Holiday plans in shambles as top island resorts cancel trips

Holiday makers planning to head to the Whitsundays have been left devastated after being told their exclusive island escapes have been cancelled just days out.

Holiday makers headed for the Whitsundays have been devastated to learn their exclusive island escapes have been cancelled just days out.

April Nagy is one of several travellers whose plans of soaking up the tropical sunshine have been burnt by cancellations amid a wave of Covid-19 in Queensland.

The New South Wales traveller had crossed the border into Queensland at the weekend when she received an email from InterContinental Hayman Island Resort that her holiday from January 8 was cancelled.

There are also reports from a cruise operator that Hamilton Island has closed to day visitors.

“We were so upset because we have had such a tough year and we were so excited for this holiday,” she said.

“Coming from New South Wales, we had bunkered down doing everything in our power not to get Covid-19 so we could come through with a negative test.

“We had a really quiet Christmas because we were so excited for this trip.

“It’s devastating.”

Holiday makers headed for the Whitsundays have been devastated to learn their exclusive island escapes have been cancelled just days out. Picture: Supplied

Ms Nagy has been unable to find availability on other islands for her date but the family is still flying to Airlie today where they have four nights accommodation booked.

The email she received from a resort employee offered a refund and stated contact tracing had forced staff into isolation.

A spokeswoman from the resort said new arrivals for January 4 and Jan 8 had so far been paused but that could change should guests or staff be impacted by Covid-19.

“The Resort is accepting existing guests on dates where our manning allows and we are reviewing our capacity on a daily basis,” she said.

“As staff progressively come out of isolation it has allowed the resort operation to continue and adjust accordingly in conjunction with Queensland Health guidance.

“To help manage this situation we have decided not to accept any new reservations in January, ie: brand new bookings.”

The spokeswoman said a “handful” of positive cases had been detected on the island, the majority being guests, and Covid-19 was impacting all operators in the region.

“It is a very challenging and disruptive time for the industry at present and we are managing the changing situation in conjunction with Queensland Health in the best interests of our staff and guests at all times,” she said.

“Every guest who has been unable to travel on the affected dates has been provided a full refund.

“It is disappointing it has affected one of our busiest times of the year however we look forward to what we hope will be a more promising year ahead in hospitality and tourism.”

Fox Sports rugby league commentator Andrew Voss appears to have also been caught up in the chaos, leaving comments on the resort’s social media pages.

“You cancelled our holiday yesterday because of Covid but no guest on the island has been informed of what is going on,” he posted.

“Really confused. Any Updates?”

Jackson Coleman commented that the resort was treating customers “like dirt”.

It appears Hayman Island is not the only Whitsundays destination impacted by the virus, with Cruise Whitsundays announcing interruptions to other experiences.

“Unfortunately due to staffing challenges, Hamilton Island have advised they are unable to accept day guests at this stage,” the operator posted.

A guest at a hotel on the island posted a photo on Tuesday morning of a letter she received under her door advising of interruptions to luggage and housekeeping services.

The letter stated a number of staff had been advised to self-isolate and daily room cleaning services would cease.

Guests were also informed the Reef Lounge was closed, and laundry services and luggage collection on departure would be unavailable.

Hamilton Island has also been contacted for comment.