Business across the Mid Coast has been bolstered by high visitation rates during these winter holidays, with residents also doing their bit to explore our region and support economic recovery.
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Coastal businesses have reported much stronger business than in the same period in previous years, as visitors, largely from NSW, flocked to our region after COVID-19 restrictions eased.
The hinterland communities also say that they've been busier than in past seasons - cold weather and dumps of snow on Barrington Tops were drawcards for many visitors and locals.
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"The biggest number of visitors to Barrington Coast during these holidays appeared to come from Sydney suburbs," MidCoast Council's manager growth, economic development and tourism, Deb Tuckerman said.
"There was also a really strong presence by Mid Coast residents taking up the 'holiday at home' message," Ms Tuckerman said.
Leigh Prada and Caitlin Tonelli, from Circle of Friends in Gloucester, say this year has been extremely busy, even without the Chillout promotion that usually runs at this time of year.
"We've had a huge array of visitors from all over. A lot of people were from the northern beaches and north shore of Sydney - and there were a lot of day trippers from Forster and Taree. The boost has meant we're able to stay open."
Melissa Bonney at Bonzas Café in Stroud said she's experienced a big boost to business, allowing her to employ more staff and get some bills paid. Melissa said her visitors were mostly from Newcastle.
"We're busier this winter due to extra tourists and we've also had more tradespeople in town repairing damage from a January storm - that's helped us too."
On the coast, most businesses also say business is up on last winter.
"We certainly have been up in sales so far these holidays from previous years," Charne Lindsay of Jungle Surf at Tuncurry, said.
"We seem to have lots of families travelling from everywhere. A number of our regular holiday visitors have returned. The weather initially was so good that we sold lots of summer items for beach visits, although this week will be different!"
At Harrigans Harrington Waters, Valeria Mrquez said her visitation rate was up by about 40 per cent compared to the same period last year.
"The winter holidays have been a lifesaver for our business," she said.
"Most travellers came from Sydney and surrounds and since the border to Queensland opened we have also seen an increase in visitation from our neighbours to the north.
"The demographic has been quite varied as well. We've seen a combination of families, grey nomads and couples and of course, our local community has shown us great support."
Ms Tuckerman said along with Mid Coast businesses, the council wanted to thank residents for turning out in force and supporting our local economy.
"The response from local people to support each other and help the region get through the COVID-19 restrictions has been outstanding and we'll be working with our business community to bring some exciting new promotions to MidCoast residents very soon," said Ms Tuckerman.
"And the best thing about being a Mid Coast local is we don't have to stop holidaying once the school holidays are over - there's plenty of unique places to visit right through the winter months ahead.
"Call one of our Visitor Information Centres today on 1800 802 692, visit our Facebook page facebook.com/barringtoncoast and start exploring all corners of this amazing region we call home."
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