PRESS RELEASE: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
1 JULY 2021
COVID RESTRICTING TOURISM TO THE HUNTER VALLEY
The Hunter Valley Wine and Tourism Association (HVWTA) has been working with our industry to understand the impact of increased COVID restrictions. 95% of Hunter Valley tourism businesses have been severely impacted as a consequence of the Greater Sydney lockdown.
Amy Cooper, CEO of the HVWTA, reports that “almost 20% of our businesses have been forced to close, with an additional 27% reporting that they have lost more than 100% of their bookings, but are remaining operational. On top of this, around another half of our businesses have lost more than 75% of their bookings and customers.”
“The Association acknowledges the tough and decisive action required to keep our wider community safe. Though the timing has been devastating, when the July School Holidays is normally a peak time for tourism in the Hunter Valley, we are experiencing a drastic decrease in visitations,” she said.
The Hunter Valley tourism industry warmly welcomes the announcement by NSW Government that their business support package specifically provides for small businesses, and hospitality and tourism businesses in regional areas who have experienced significant declines in turnover as a result of current COVID restrictions.
“Now we need to see equal support from Commonwealth Government for employees. Currently, the COVID-19 Disaster Payment only applies to declared hotspots. Sadly, this does not cover employees in major tourism areas, like the Hunter Valley, that are without work during this time,” Ms Cooper continues.
“Over the last couple of years our community has suffered drought, fires and floods, along with COVID-19. The majority of tourists to the Hunter Valley come from currently affected hotspots, so our local tourism industry is effectively shut down again. Our people left without work need financial relief. We are calling on the Commonwealth Government to act quickly” she said.
ENDS
For further information or comment, please contact Amy Cooper, CEO, Hunter Valley Wine & Tourism Association on Ph: 0419 090 631.
