‘Harder than usual’: Australia’s peak accommodation body issues plea to Easter holiday-makers
Australia’s leading hospitality outfit is urgently imploring holiday travelers to “get to the zones” this Easter as small hotels and motels face their toughest period in years.
Struggling regional hotels are counting on Aussies to save their Easters ahead of the harsh winter months as the country’s fuel crisis continues.
Accommodation Australia managing director James Goodwin said with hotel demand slowing in all capital cities, regional hotels that rely on road travelers were feeling the worst of the decline.
“Easter and school holidays are an important time for the visitor economy of many of these small regional hotels and motels and the surrounding towns,” he said.
“This is the last holiday break before we head into the quiet winter period, which will be even more difficult than usual with current fuel and cost of living pressures.”
The stark warning comes after Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced on Monday that fuel duty would be cut by 50 per cent, cutting 26.3 cents per liter at the pump.
It could save an Australian $16 when filling a 60-litre tank.
“We’re making fuel cheaper today because we understand Australians are under significant pressure,” Mr Albanese said.
The Prime Minister was clear that Australians “should enjoy Easter and it’s also important that we keep the economy going”.
“Easter is an important time for tourism destinations and businesses. They’re counting on it.”
The good news for travelers looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life or leaving their reservations until the last minute is that many regional hotels and motels have rooms available during the busy weekend.
Mr Goodwin said this Easter was forecast to be lower than last year if bookings were still reasonable.
“A simple comparison with last year is difficult because Easter and Anzac Day are separate, reducing the ability to create a single long holiday without taking additional annual leave,” he said.
Those who support regional businesses outside their own backyard “will not be disappointed.” Mr. Goodwin promised.
More than 980,000 Australians are employed in the accommodation and food services sector.
“I’m sure they’ll each have a happier Easter if they can take a shift during the holidays and help make your holiday a special one,” Mr. Goodwin said.
As the conflict in the Middle East continues to rage, figures from this long weekend are likely to be the first real test of the impact on the tourism and hospitality industries.
“We have already seen costs rise and international aviation capacity shrink, and the most insidious problem we face is passenger uncertainty,” Mr Goodwin said.
“We have seen firsthand during the pandemic that trust is easily lost and very difficult to regain.”
Mr Albanese encouraged Australians who can use public transport in cities to “help save fuel for areas and industries that need it”.
“The less fuel we use in cities, of course, the more we can focus on regional areas under pressure.” he said.
