Tourism to Bathurst is already seeing a quick recovery.
A BIG rise in retail sales at the Bathurst Visitor Information Centre over the June long weekend, in comparison to last year, is a good sign for the city's tourism sector, according to the mayor.
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Bobby Bourke says the June long weekend numbers - from people through the door of the information centre to motel occupancy rates - indicate the post-COVID recovery might be swift.
The information centre had 593 visitors from Friday to Monday of the June long weekend and motels in town had occupancy rates of 70 per cent to 100pc, according to council.
"There were 647 visitors through the doors [of the visitor centre] during the same period last year," Cr Bourke said.
"While this year saw less foot traffic, it shows a consideration among people about minimising contact, and this reflects the messaging we have seen coming from the state and federal government about maintaining physical distancing even as restrictions lift and while visiting a new region."
Retail sales at the information centre, meanwhile, were up 72pc on the same time last year - which Cr Bourke said showed visitors were heeding the message about spending and buying local.
"There have been several social media campaigns we have seen from the beginning of the year about supporting and spending regional during tough times and that was certainly reflected positively on the weekend," he said.
Staff at the visitor centre, he said, "reported plenty of inquiries - from where to camp and explore the great outdoors of the Bathurst region to what attractions, museums, cafes and restaurants were open in town".
Many travellers were from Sydney and Canberra, he said.
Judging by the interest in the lead-up to and during the long weekend, he said "tourism to Bathurst is already seeing a quick recovery".
"It was very positive to see such a great interest in the region so soon after travel restrictions were lifted," Cr Bourke said.
Bathurst's near neighbour Oberon reported more than 400 visitors through the doors of the Visitor Information Centre over the three days of the long weekend.
Oberon Council tourism and economic development manager Mathew Webb said visitors started to arrive in the town on Thursday and campers were still there on Tuesday morning.
Orange360 general manager Caddie Marshall, meanwhile, said Orange accommodation "was 100 per cent booked, or in the high-90s in some places".