06 Apr Noosa News: From Easter boom to bust

Posted at 11:17h in Covid-19 by

NOOSA’s Easter holiday stays have been effectively outlawed by the Federal Government.

And according the Noosa Holiday Accommodation Association chair Finola Thompson that is crippling business all over town.

“The flow-on effects of a loss of tourism to the Noosa economy can be seen all over town as shops are shut and businesses closed,” Ms Thompson said.

The NHAA is urging all holiday accommodation providers and guests to comply with new restrictions on holiday accommodation.

“We have now received advice from the government that until further notice, Noosa and other destinations are now no longer allowed to take bookings for holiday-purposes,” Ms Thompson said.

“Many in the accommodation industry had already stopped taking bookings to support social isolation objectives.

“Importantly, owners are also currently unable to stay in their holiday investment properties, and the use of those properties for purposes other than for permanent residency, may only be in exceptional circumstances,” she said.

Ms Thompson said: “Of course public health and safety comes first and our message to the guests that would normally visit over the Easter holidays, is that we hope you are well and safe at home.

“Noosa will be here when you need us, and we look forward to seeing you again soon.”

Holidays stays are off limits in Noosa, making life incredibly tough for the likes of Jon and Finola Thompson of Coral Beach Noosa Resort seen here before the pandemic hit Australia for six.
Holidays stays are off limits in Noosa, making life incredibly tough for the likes of Jon and Finola Thompson of Coral Beach Noosa Resort seen here before the pandemic hit Australia for six.

According to one leading, professional holiday accommodation provider, Aspire Property Management’s Karen Cook-Langdon, resort and holiday accommodation managers are struggling as there are no bookings to sustain jobs and livelihoods.

“Government subsidies are assisting to some degree and our members are busy using the time to catch up on repairs and maintenance, ready to welcome guests back,” Ms Cook-Langdon said.

Bookings can only be taken from people who are “in genuine need of accommodation, people who are stranded or need to find alternative accommodation to their principal place of residence”.

This advice comes from a government directive regarding home confinement regulations which prohibit a person from leaving their principle place of residence, except for permitted purposes.

 

Source: https://www.noosanews.com.au/news/from-easter-boom-to-bust-for-noosas-desirable-stay/3989713/

Peter Gardiner (2020, April 6). DESTINATION NOOSA: From Easter boom to bust. Retrieved from https://www.noosanews.com.au/news/from-easter-boom-to-bust-for-noosas-desirable-stay/3989713/