Queensland tourism operators blame high fuel prices for visitor drop
Tourism businesses in Bundaberg and Hervey Bay report lower visitor numbers this September compared to last year.
Regional operators see booking decline
Carly Clark of Splitters Farm says tourist numbers on her property have fallen by 30 per cent. She notes that accommodation and day trip bookings were lower during the recent school holidays. The business relies on drivers coming from Brisbane, a nearly five-hour drive away.
Rising costs hurt all businesses
Ms Clark states that increased insurance costs force operators to pass those hikes onto customers. She explains that families are being hit hard by the cost of fuel and electricity. Grey nomads remain frugal, but higher prices affect everyone in the industry.
Visitors choose closer experiences
Megan Rippon from Lismore decided to be frugal with her holiday spending while visiting Bundaberg. She travelled nearly 600 kilometres with her daughters but noted the financial pressure on travelers. The regional tourism organisation encourages people to explore experiences closer to home instead.
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