Bathurst's visitor economy is enthusiastically, but hesitantly bracing itself for an influx of tourism as the region gradually emerges from lockdown, with Sydneysiders set to be cleared for regional travel once NSW is 80 per cent fully vaccinated.
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After nearly two months of zero to minimal activity, museums, entertainment venues, hospitality and retail businesses will likely have the final weeks of 2021 to start recuperating from a difficult period for visitor business.
Abercrombie House owner and local tourism advocate Christopher Morgan said "the visitor economy is ready to trade now", but admitted there's widespread concern around how long each vaccination target will take to reach.
"I think I speak for every visitor-orientated business in saying we want these vaccination targets reached as quickly as possible," Mr Morgan said.
"We could very well experience a boom not unlike what we saw towards the end of 2020, with consideration for the fact visitors may not have as much money to spend this time around.
"Bathurst's visitor and tourism economy is worth around $120 million per annum, with a further $60 million in value-added commerce [i.e. retail]; it's a vital driver of local revenue and jobs, and we need to ensure the 'powers that be' are putting our best interests first."
Fellow tourism and business advocate Peter Rogers agrees, and said the post-lockdown period is a more important time than ever to get firstly local people, then visitors through the doors of Bathurst's key attractions.
"It's surprising how many local people haven't been to our own museums or other tourist attractions, and when we start to open up, locals should really consider growing accustomed with our museums, restaurants, venues etc., and spread the word to any visitors they have coming to town," Mr Rogers said.
"I've been trying hard over the last year to push council into providing greater coverage of our attractions in strategic locations [Mount Panorama, highways into town etc.], we really need a concerted effort from all involved to sell our town."
Bathurst mayor Ian North said council is already working hard with the Bathurst Business Chamber and other local organisations to get the visitor economy back on track.
"We want to help businesses get through this, and when we come out the other side, we're going to work even harder," Cr North said.
"We've got to open further relationships with local businesses and organisation, as well as keep our door open to listen to the community."
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