Owner and manager of Winbi River Resort in Moama Liz Butler said they’ve had a lot of people ringing up wanting to cancel their bookings, particularly those that were coming up for Easter.
“We’ve had a few older people ringing up saying they were coming up specifically for the bowls event, which has since been cancelled, so we’ve been able to move their booking,” she said.
“We’ve been able to move a few bookings and we’re happy to do that.
“It’s a bit hard coming up to Easter with our waiting lists and having to let people know last minute that we have a spot available.
“We don’t have any cases of coronavirus here yet, so people that are healthy and just panicking won’t get their deposits back.
“We won’t be refunding unless they have a legitimate reason. There’s no reason why healthy people can’t get in the car and come for a holiday.”
Moama on the Murray assistant owner Jenny Green said her venue had also been hit with cancellations.
“Everything’s flipped today and we’re getting more cancellations than bookings,” Ms Green said.
“We’ve had two weddings planned for the next few weeks that have been moved to next year and a Rotary conference this weekend has been scrapped.
“We’re flat out fielding questions at the moment there’s just a bit of uncertainty.”
To reassure guests and to reduce risk to their guests and staff, Moama on the Murray has implemented a new check-in process so people don’t have to go through reception and new cleaning protocols.
They are also looking at ways to avoid close contact between people to protect their guests and staff.
“It’s very apparent this will be a continued wave because people are saying they’re worried about travelling,” Ms Green said.
Brendan Du Kamp at Quest Echuca has also seen cancellations.
“To date, domestic leisure bookings have remained consistent,” he said.
“However, we have unfortunately experienced a significant decline in corporate travel as the result of social isolation and international travel restrictions.
“While a challenging period, the health of our customers and the local community is paramount,” he said.
Regional manager for Discovery Parks David Temby said it was inevitable to experience some cancellations due to events being postponed and the current health concerns.
Despite that, the accommodation venue continues to welcome guests.
“Guests with caravans are essentially self-isolating, and cabins provide the same level of separation with self-contained kitchens, ensuites and bathrooms,” Mr Temby said.
“The wellbeing of our guests is of the utmost priority, and all guests can be confident we have heightened sanitation practices and introduced a range of other measures to help safeguard their health.”
La Trobe University lecturer of tourism, hospitality and event management Paul Strickland said the recommendations by the government not to travel overseas may redirect holiday makers to regional and rural destinations over the next few months.
“With the onset of a fuel price war between Saudi Arabia and Russia, petrol prices in Australia are predicted to decrease making it more affordable to travel by car to regional communities,” Mr Strickland said.
“This will encourage more visitation by city dwellers to visit and ideally stay in regional areas.
“Secluded, self-contained accommodation and farm stays will be more desirable as a place to vacation, especially if pet friendly.”
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