Tourism numbers drop off after introduction of Uluru climbing ban

TOURISM numbers to Uluru have dropped after the closure of the climb but the local resort operator says it’s hoping business will pick up again from April

Tourists flocked to Uluru to climb Uluru before it was closed but now visitor numbers to the Central Australian hot spot have dropped. Picture: AAP IMAGE/LUKAS COCH

TOURISM numbers to Uluru have dropped after the closure of the climb but the local resort operator says it’s hoping business will pick up again from April.

Voyagers – Indigenous Tourism Australia, the operator of Ayers Rock Resort has seen a decline in visitors following record numbers in the lead up to and directly after the closure of the Uluru climb on October 26 last year.

A spokeswoman said the impact of bushfires in Australia’s southern states had also affected the resort.

“We have had a small amount of cancellations associated with guests who have been disrupted in their travel plans by some bushfire affected areas however, the vast majority of bookings are being held at this stage,” a spokeswoman said.

A Tourism Department spokeswoman said a number of businesses had experienced a “small number” of cancellations.

The spokeswoman said they were working with tourism operators to stop any possible drop in visitor numbers as a result of the climb closure.

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“Over the last few years a range of new experiences have been developed to enhance the Uluru visitor experience. Visitors to Uluru can enjoy a range of culturally appropriate experiences and activities in the region,” she said.