The triple whammy of two elections in the one year, bushfires and ongoing drought has led to "belt tightening" by locals and a reduction in tourist numbers, say local businesses.

While all the business owners the Port News spoke to were deeply empathetic about the plight of those affected by the fires, some say they are struggling to stay afloat and others are anxious about their future.

Many did not want to speak on the record and add to the "negativity".

Some expressed dismay Port Macquarie-Hastings Council would cancel the New Years Eve fireworks given the injection the night brings into the local economy.

Last week the local business chamber took matters into their own hands, asking locals to get on the front foot.

"In an effort to counter some of the recent negativity which is portraying our region as burnt to the ground or smoked out of existence, we have come up with a social media campaign and we need your help and support," the Port Macquarie Business chamber release said.

"Please take a happy picture of smiling people enjoying what we have to offer in sunny Port Macquarie and share it on your social media platforms.

"This will show the world that we are here and open for business over the holiday period."

Manager of Manning Shoes in Port Central Kristy Davies said retail has been tough.

"We have had fires, road closures, the drought has affected people for a long time," she said.

But Mrs Davies said in the last week it has finally started to "feel like Christmas" again with more shoppers.

She had one message to tourists.

"Don't be afraid to come to town, all the danger has passed fire wise in our area, everybody is open for business and certainly welcomes it, especially small family businesses like ourselves," she said.

Manager of clothing store Blue Illusion on Horton Street, Natalie Woodham said the last couple of days have been a "big relief".

"Things have finally picked up," she said.

Ms Woodham said during the slowdown they learnt to be innovative.

"We have a very strong, loyal clientele who we are very grateful for," she said.

"We are offering lovely little vouchers, we put on events offering a glass of champagne with snacks to help people get into the festive season," she said.

It is not just retail feeling the pinch, hospitality has also been affected.

Owner of Drury Lane Eatery Kate McCarron said while their business had been relatively resilient they were glad the Christmas "rush" was appearing.

"It has been a pretty slow year for everyone in retail and hospitality, there has definitely been a bit of a drop this year."

She said Drury Lane Eatery is "really well supported by the community" but there has been a general slowing of tourism in the town.

"There is a drop in our push for tourism which I think has had a knock-on-effect and I think council has picked up on that," she said.

"We used to have a lot media famils (a PR tool designed to give select journalists the opportunity to experience a region), particularly around Tastings on Hastings.

"In the last 18 months that has definitely dropped off and we notice that flow-on-effect of less tourists in town."

Her message to locals?

"Shop local and support small businesses," she said.

"Even consider gifting different experiences through vouchers because there is so much to offer in Port Macquarie."

While you're with us, you can now receive updates straight to your inbox from the Port Macquarie News. To make sure you're up to date with all the news, SIGN UP HERE.