Coronavirus: Manly businesses fear closing down
Manly businesses have fears they will be forced to close down following a rough summer with bushfires, storms and now the coronavirus.
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Manly businesses are already feeling a major blow with “tourism at an all time low” from the coronavirus pandemic.
It comes after the Federal Government announced further quarantine restrictions over the weekend which means anyone coming into Australia would be required to self quarantine for a period of two weeks.
Ryan Hayfield owns a business teaching surf classes and a shop in Brookvale which sells surfboards and wetsuits called Manly Surf Guide Team.
“Our sales have dropped 85 per cent in the last week and a half,” Mr Hayfield said.
“A good 70 per cent of our customers are tourists and then we have parents buying boards for their kids but they are luxury items.
“Business is usually slow during July and August but it’s just like someone’s flicked a switch and business is completely gone.”
He said they’re preparing for what’s ahead.
“We don’t have a back up plan in place but we’re cutting unnecessary overheads. I think it’s going to be a tough six months.
“I’m just grateful this pandemic didn’t happen over the peak time at Christmas. If we can get through the next six months and have a good Christmas season again this year, we should survive.”
Another local businessman has said with “tourism at an all time low” this summer from the bushfires and storms, he’s had to come up with another business plan amid COVID-19 concerns.
“As a business its really affected us. We’ve already been affected with the bushfire and storms and now coronavirus,” owner of Manly Bike Tours, Francisco Furman said.
“We’ve had the worst summer ever in terms of revenue. I don’t know if we’re going to survive.
“The main problem is our core business is bicycle hire and we work with tourists. We need to do something else otherwise it won’t survive because no one knows how long it’s (the quarantine) going on for, it’s speculation.”
He said they have just launched ‘Work and Cycle’ where people will be able to hire an electric bike for $80 a week for delivering food through mobile apps like Deliveroo.
“It’s an easy way for them to get started and that has started to grow so it’s looking positive.”
Local colleges, hostels and motels also have their concerns.
Manly Motel Paradise and Apartments manager Wendy Carlton said they’ve noticed an increase in cancellations, although there are still domestic bookings coming in.
“We’ve had more cancellations from overseas guests, particularly from New Zealand and the UK. A lot of work conferences have also been cancelled, which affects us,” Ms Carlton said.
“People have just started to cancel so we’re in the unknown right now.”
She said they will be offering refunds to guests who have booked with them.
“We’re giving refunds to our guests who booked through us but it can be tricky for those who have booked through a third party. For example Booking.com take a 15 per cent commission so they will definitely be hurting from this pandemic.”
A staff member at the Australian Pacific College at Manly said the majority of their students are from overseas.
“We are very worried about our students so we’re working to keep the campus a safe place for the moment,” Carol Santos said.
“We haven’t had any cancellations so far but we’ve had many calls from students sick and worried about the situation who want to know if they can proceed with their studies.”
She said while none of the students have tested positive for COVID-19, they have a plan B in place.
“In the event we would have to shut down we can continue supporting students by offering online courses. We are also doing what we can for them so their visas aren’t affected.”
The college teaches vocational coursers including business, marketing and communications, hospitality, travel and tourism with about 500 students.
Manly Chamber of Commerce has been contacted for comment.