Why business is booming for Scenic Rim accommodation spots

HERE’S how this hotel owner increased his customer base by 30 per cent this year.

AFTER what looked like a gloomy start to the year Glynn Kelly has been run off his feet operating his business, The Grove Cottage Boonah, and he couldn't be happier about being so busy.

The beginning of the year was looking grim for accommodation providers across the country, but leading into the school holidays, the Scenic Rim-based business owner is now running a full house.

 

 

"When the COVID thing happened everything came screaming to a halt which was a bit of a disaster because the Scenic Rim tourism brand had really been booming out here and then it all kind of ground to a halt," Mr Kelly said.

"Fortunately since the lockdown has lifted, it's been really good."

Mr Kelly estimates business has soared by about 30 per cent but it's the wider community that has really benefited from their metropolitan neighbours coming to stay.

Mr Kelly said part of that was thanks to council, who have been pushing an agro-tourism campaign to encourage residents from Brisbane and the coasts to head west for a holiday.

"That has been really effective in terms of rebranding this region into an agro-tourism hub," he said.

"That rebranding is continuing really well."

 

 

The Grove Cottage has no vacancies for the next two weeks of school holidays, and will be filled with families taking advantage of border closures to explore parts of their own backyard.

"To come out here and spend money in the local community, it's good for everyone all around," Mr Kelly said.