While foot traffic has begun to increase, it is believed this is more due to families reconnecting as opposed to holidays being taken.
Echuca Moama Tourism chief executive Kathryn Mackenzie said while early signs were positive, a lot needed to change before the local industry could start to fully recover.
“We've certainly had an increase in inquiries about the river, the bridge and the border,” she said.
“There have been inquiries for accommodation and we are seeing higher web and social traffic, which are really good signs.
“Caravan parks and outdoor experiences are being asked about and requested, and we are getting good occupancy there, but they're limited to those areas.”
Ms Mackenzie said the restrictions were still preventing many local businesses from beginning their recovery.
“But we still can't open things like our galleries and museums or indoor facilities due to the restrictions,” she said.
“Combine this with the fact we still have one side of the border off limits to travellers from regional Victoria and businesses not being able to use the river, we are still seeing some major problems.
“While those businesses are still restricted from running, there are going to continue to be issues. With the cooler weather as well, it hasn't been conducive to travel.
“It's not like what we have seen in the previous school holidays; clearly the effects of lockdown are starting to show.”
But Ms Mackenzie said there were attempts being made to get industries up and running.
“Murray River Paddlesteamers ran a trial on the weekend, which didn't have a great deal of success,” she said.
“And Echuca Paddlesteamers will also be starting their service, and we hope with a bit more time they will get more patronage.”
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