Blue Mountains tourism plea as bushfires ease (1)
As the blazes across the Blue Mountains region finally show signs of easing, tourism operators are urging travellers to support the region’s recovery.
The bushfires have wrought destruction across vast swathes of the area over the last week but now the emergency situation has been downgraded as milder weather sets in. Roads are reopening and hoteliers are now returning to full operations.
But, mindful of the long term impacts events such as these can have on tourism as seen in the instance of the Queensland floods, tourism operators are underlining the role tourism will play in the recovery of the region.
Although Fairmont Resort MGallery in Leura was untouched by the fire damage, the hotel still lost leisure and conference business because of the disruption elsewhere.
General manager Bernie Boller underlined the support of tourists and conference groups as critical to the regions recovery and encouraged them to maintain their travel plans over the coming months.
“The reality is that if you look out from the Fairmont today you wouldn’t know anything had happened – there’s clear blue sky, untouched bush as far as the eye can see, and a fully staffed hotel waiting to provide that warm, genuine Blue Mountains hospitality,” he said.
“If people are wondering how they can support the Blue Mountains the answer is quite simple – come up and enjoy yourselves up here. It's a win-win for everyone.”
Meanwhile, the Wolgan Valley Resort and Spa was keen to get the message out that it had also been unaffected by the fires.
“We are very fortunate not to be impacted by the bushfires, and our thoughts are with the local community that has been affected,” general manager Joost Heymeijer said.
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