SUNSHINE, warm weather and a sneaky two-week break, has seen bumper Easter crowds boost business confidence in the Hastings.
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For the first time in eight years, not a single drop of rain has dampened the highly-anticipated weekend.
Some food retailers have reported their best ever trading days over the public holidays.
Many operators are expecting strong tourist numbers to stay.
Among them is LV’s on Clarence Street, which remained open despite hefty public holiday penalty rates.
Owner and chef Todd Richardson said the establishment cooked more bacon and eggs than they could count on Monday morning: “It’s a decision every business needs to make for themselves, but we had our best ever breakfast and taking the risk was worth it.”
The Corner Restaurant also reaped the rewards of the same decision, with staff serving-up the popular venue’s largest brekky on record.
From the heart of town to the outlying regions of Kendall and the picturesque beaches of the Camden Haven, business operators have reported an influx of fresh faces are keeping them more than busy.
It’s a sentiment mirrored by holiday destinations across the state.
But Hastings tourism heavyweights are adamant packed beaches, crowded streets, a busy hinterland and heads on beds is the result of more than just great weather and increased consumer confidence.
“We’re very happy with how tourism is faring for the region,” said Janette Hyde president of the Greater Port Macquarie Tourism Association.
“Sure the weather has been perfect but there’s been a very structured and successful approach to increasing visitor numbers to the area.”
Back-to-back weekends are seeing many accommodation houses packed out until after Anzac Day, as people score a 10-day break at the price of just three days annual leave.
“People are also being attracted for a longer stay with the long weekend falling on the school holidays,” said Sundowner Breakwall Tourist Park’s Simon Luke.
Mr Luke said numbers and visitation rates were steadily growing across the region, and camping continued to be a popular option for families and road-trippers.
“If the weather’s great we’re getting plenty of people get up at the crack of dawn, throw their kids in the car and make a last minute decision to get up here.”
Camden Haven operators have attributed the region’s addition to the Legendary Pacific Coast tourist drive as a game changer.
Brendon Lynch of North Haven’s Oasis By The River said the Easter weekend was “huge”, and more customers seemed to be staying within the immediate area.
“We’ve seen the highway upgrades make a huge difference with plenty of people from Newcastle, and places like Tamworth and Armidale.
“The Camden Haven’s become a real stand-alone destination.”