Regional tourism: Fox and Hound, Belmont at Beechworth bookings boost
Phones are ringing off the hook for northeast Victorian tourism operators as eager Melburnians plan their escape from the city. Have you left your getaway booking too late?
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After being ravaged by bushfires then hit by COVID-19 restrictions, tourism operators in northeast Victoria are relieved to hear phones ringing once again as Melburnians plan their escape from the city.
From November 9, the “ring of steel” will be lifted and metro Melbourne residents will be able to travel to regional Victoria.
Judy Rankin, who owns holiday houses in both Bright and Corryong, said she has been “just hanging on” until visitors from Melbourne could come and stay again.
“My phone hasn’t stopped ringing, I’ve already booked up the first two weeks from when it opens,” Ms Rankin said.
“I offer a complete refund if people can’t stay because of COVID-19, so people are happy to take the risk and book.”
Ms Rankin said it had been a tough 12 months.
“I’ve had very little income this year because of the fires and all this lockdown.
“Just before Christmas I had a lot of people coming from NSW who couldn't because of the fires, so I’ve had barely anyone stay since before Christmas.
“I welcome everyone from Melbourne, most of my customers were from Melbourne, so I’m glad they’re coming back.”
Ms Rankin’s Bright accommodation, the Fox and Hound, has already been inundated with bookings, while her Corryong business, the Constable’s Cottage, is set to reopen soon.
“People are wanting to go to that town to spend money to support the towns because they were so heavily affected by the bushfires,” she said.
Lisa Cartledge owns the Belmont at Beechworth, and said tourist towns were desperate for some Melbourne business to give them a much-needed boost.
“It’ll be great to have Melbourne people safely return to regional Victoria to support all the tourism towns and businesses,” Ms Cartledge said.
“It’ll be helpful to the whole town of Beechworth and the tourist towns around us.
“I’m sure it hasn't been the most profitable year for anyone, but Beechworth is a pretty positive town.
“Everybody supports all the local businesses as much as they can.
“I’m sure everybody will be welcoming the tourists and looking forward to a much more lucrative 2021.”
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