Aussies urged to support local tourism after flood-related devastation

Aussies urged to support local tourism after flood-related devastation

Peak industry body, the Accommodation Association, has encouraged Aussies to book Australian as the sector continues to recover from COVID and floods.

The sector is also grappling with a workforce shortage and the long wait for international travel to hit 2019 levels.

Recent flooding on Australia’s East Coast has directly impacted many communities and hotels and made it difficult or impossible for impacted properties to operate.

In response to many inquiries from those looking to help, the Accommodation Association made it clear that it wants Aussies to support local travel and book through an Australian travel agent.

“Australia’s hotel sector has been very grateful for the support Australians have provided including through the challenging times of COVID lockdowns, border closures and restrictions,” Richard Munro, the CEO of Accommodation Association said.

“Now more than ever, when you are looking at where to stay, please book local and direct or if you are booking through an agent or an agent online please book an Australian agent and help keep local jobs.

“Many hotels and motels offer incentives to promote booking direct and it’s great to build a relationship with a local and access all that local knowledge to make your stay even more rewarding, you can also ask for a discount or an upgrade. “We also ask people to remember that everyone working in our sector is doing their best so please be respectful and be kind.”

The impact of the floods has been detrimental to the tourism industry over the past month.

AFTA recently called on the travel sector to donate to the Australian Lions Foundation Nation Appeal and Entire Travel Group launched a floods appeal in light of the floods.


Featured Image: Twitter/boppinmule

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