Easter bonanza: NT hospitality venues preparing for a bumper Easter long weekend
Top End hotels, restaurants, bars and pubs are gearing up for an above-average Easter long weekend as Territorians prepare to get out.
Northern Territory
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TOP End hotels, restaurants, bars and pubs are gearing up for an above-average Easter long weekend as Territorians prepare to get out and see what their own backyard has to offer.
Hospitality NT chief executive Alex Bruce said Top End venues were expecting an “above trend” level of trade this Easter, fuelled by more people staying in the Territory due to COVID-19 travel restrictions and the impact of the final round of Territory tourism vouchers.
“There’s a lot of solidly booked stuff over the long weekend, from accommodation in Dundee right through to restaurants at the Darwin Waterfront,” he said.
“The vouchers have definitely helped what is already a good opportunity for Territorians to get out and about.
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“And locals aren’t going anywhere at the moment.
“There’s no Easter in Bali this year.” He said the Brisbane lockdown had only had a “modest” impact on bookings so far.
Philip Bates, the owner of Katherine’s Shady Lane Tourist Park, said the business was “pretty much booked out” for the weekend.
“It’s mostly Darwin people, and I think they’re using the tourism packages the government has been putting out,” he said.
“We’re always busy, but this year I have to say it’s busier.”
Wharf One general manager Pina Sommerville said the usually dinner-only restaurant would also be opening for lunch this Friday to Sunday.
She said the venue planned to take advantage of expected big crowds at the Waterfront, and had rostered on a full staff contingent.
“Locals can’t fly to Bali at the moment, or to Brisbane with what’s going on there, and the Waterfront is putting on a lot of Easter activities, so we’re anticipating it will be really busy at the Waterfront,” she said.
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The Beachfront Hotel owner Guy Dunne said the pub was looking forward to a great Easter weekend.
“Everyone’s really supported the hospitality industry all the way through the last 12 months. We’re in an amazing spot to be able to look after locals who are staying home this Easter and we’re expecting a very busy weekend,” he said.
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