A tourism industry leader has thanked locals for supporting businesses in our region amid the pandemic.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Greater Port Macquarie Tourism Association president Janette Hyde said the local patronage was very much appreciated.
She recognised the "amazing" local support for many businesses when our area was off limits to tourists from Greater Sydney.
"Without that support, many of our businesses would not have survived," Mrs Hyde said.
Local patronage became crucial for tourism-related businesses when Sydneysiders were unable to holiday in regional NSW due to lockdowns and travel restrictions.
Greater Sydney makes up the majority of the region's tourism market.
Mrs Hyde encouraged residents to continue to throw their support behind local businesses while following the COVID-safe rules.
Regional NSW opens up to fully-vaccinated holidaymakers from Greater Sydney on Monday [November 1] after the date was pushed back to give the regions more time to lift vaccination rates.
"It's wonderful to see the region opening up, and as from November 1, we can welcome our Sydney visitors and just hope everyone still complies with the health advice," Mrs Hyde said.
Read more:
Port Macquarie residents Lisa Rae and Luke Prentice have always supported local businesses.
"We love the fact we have the services and restaurants here," Ms Rae said.
"If you want it, you support it."
They are regulars at Town Green business Chop 'n Chill, for example, and ensured they bought daily coffees as takeaways during the lockdowns.
Ms Rae encouraged residents to continue to "go local".
"If you want to have a prosperous area, you have to be a part of it," she said.
John and Marlene Swarbrick haven't let the pandemic get in the way of supporting their regular restaurant, Chop 'n Chill, in a COVID-safe manner.
"Most people are supporting local," Mr Swarbrick said.
"You have to feel some kind of normalcy."
The couple has not left the area or seen their family in Sydney and Bowral for 18 months due to the pandemic.
Meanwhile, the state government has unveiled a tourism campaign to entice visitors to NSW.
The Feel New campaign showcases the abundant natural wonders and vibrant cultural experiences on offer across the state.
Premier Dominic Perrottet said the new tourism campaign would accelerate the recovery of the NSW visitor economy following years of hardship through drought, bushfires, floods and the COVID-19 pandemic.
"For those of us who are lucky enough to live here, NSW sells itself, but for people wanting to come here for a first or return visit this campaign will be impossible to resist. Investing now in great marketing sends the message that we are on track to be the tourism capital of our region," Mr Perrottet said.
Port Macquarie-Hastings Council has also locked in a new destination and lifestyle brand for our region.
What else is making news?
Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can continue to access our trusted content:
Bookmark our website
Make sure you are signed up for our breaking and regular headlines newsletters
You can support us with a subscription
Follow us on Twitter: @portmacnews
Follow us on Instagram: @portmacnews
Follow us on Google News