Bookings steady for school holidays

BOOKINGS for school holidays are steady across the region and Geelong-Bellarine’s tourism leader is encouraging locals to invite friends and family from across the state to visit.

Tourism Greater Geelong and The Bellarine executive director Brett Ince said there were quite a lot of Melburnians who visited last weekend after lockdown lifted, with the crowd a mix of day trippers and overnighters.

But the significant numbers needed to provide a boost to the hospitality and tourism industry could still depend on the further easing of restrictions and good weather.

“We’ve had steady bookings for the region for the school holidays and particularly our coastal towns – they’ve definitely seen a lift,” Mr Ince said.

“There is availability across all types of accommodation for the holidays at the moment but that may change as we go into the weekend.”

The local tourism boss said last-minute bookings had become more common, with people understanding how restrictions and weather could change without much notice.

“Restrictions do make it hard for our visitors and hospitality operators to plan for staff and food – usually for school holidays, bookings would be well in advance,” he said.

“But we are very thankful that we can welcome visitors and we hope Melburnians do decide to visit Geelong and the Bellarine.

“What we have seen when we do come out of lockdown is that people do want a break and they do want to escape Melbourne and come to regional Victoria.

“We are a destination that supports that – and I hope there may be more changes in restrictions to help hospitality.”

Mr Ince said there were also great opportunities for local residents to continue their support of businesses in their own backyard.

“Throughout this whole period we’ve seen a strengthening in the local support for our visitor economy,” he said.

“What people can do is invite their friends and family down to reconnect with them and support our hospitality and attractions.

“And we’ve got really great events. Winter Wonderland at Adventure Park, the Shiraz Festival for groups of friends and family, and so many indoor attractions – museums, cinemas, wineries, breweries and galleries,” he said, encouraging holidaymakers to enjoy their winter holidays – rain, hail or shine.