MBRIT prepares to boost economy the moment COVID-19 restrictions ease

This region has had at least $42 million ripped from its economy due to COVID-19 but the tourism and business body says the road to recovery might be shorter than predicted.

Businesses are struggling, some will not reopen, the tourism industry is shattered and the region will miss out on at least $42 million this year but the leading tourism body says there is a way to recover in time for 2021.

Moreton Bay Region Industry and Tourism CEO Shane Newcombe said the community had a vital role to play in the region’s road out of COVID-19.

“The hardest hit industry is hospitality – our pubs and clubs still have a long road to be honest,” Mr Newcombe said.

“It will be months before they can even look at having 100 people in a venue.

“There will be some businesses which do not open their doors again, which is sad.”

The region’s tourism industry has also been rocked by the pandemic -with MBRIT having no option but to cancel all of its major festivals and events – zapping $42 million from the local economy.

MBRIT CEO Shane Newcombe and Golden Ox owner Nick Tzimas are confident the region will recover from COVID — 19. Picture: Renae Droop

As restrictions start to ease allowing for travel within the region and more restaurants and businesses to reopen Mr Newcombe said it was vital the community continued to shop local. “Never has there been a more important time for people to support local businesses,” Mr Newcombe.

“What we have seen so far has been really encouraging.”

He said as more restrictions eased MBRIT would launch a new advertising campaign encouraging residents to holiday within the region.

“It will be about the local community rediscovering the amazing experiences that we have,” Mr Newcombe said.

A tool on the Visit Moreton website allows people to search for attractions within a certain radius of their home.

In the week leading up to the Labour Day long weekend, the first weekend people were allowed to travel outside of their homes, the site attracted more than 60,000 unique users.

Mr Newcombe said the majority of users were from Sunshine Coast, Brisbane and the western suburbs.

That weekend thousands flocked to the region, visiting Redcliffe, Bribie Island and Samford.

In preparation of people being allowed to once again holiday domestically MBRIT is also working on a campaign to target the drive market – encouraging people to come and spend a weekend exploring the region.

Mr Newcombe said with community support the region would recover from COVID — 19.

“I don’t think it will take a year – I pretty much see the rest of 2020 being more about recovery and then we will start a new stage in 2021,” he said.