By Oliver Lees
The Macedon Ranges’ peak tourism body is ready for the return of visitors to the area as Victorians can once again travel around the state from tonight.
Travel limitations between regional Victoria and metropolitan Melbourne will at 6pm as the state reaches its target of vaccinating 80 per cent of its eligible population.
Daylesford Macedon Tourism acting chief executive Paul Matthews said it was great news for the tourism industry who heavily rely on the Melbourne market.
“We are so excited to welcome back our greater Melbourne family and friends to our beautiful region,” Mr Matthews said.
“While some businesses may have workforce issues with some staff scrambling to get double vaccinated, it will be all hands on deck to welcome back visitors.
“There are some wonderful spaces, big nature and amazing food and drink just waiting for you.”
According to Business Victoria data for the year ending June, 2021, tourism represented 8.4 per cent of the economy for Daylesford and Macedon Ranges.
In that same period, the region experienced a 29 per cent decrease in day trip visitors to the area.
Mr Matthews estimated that 70 per cent of accommodation had been booked out for the long weekend, with many properties booked out until 2022.
Mr Matthews said the difficult period had taught tourism providers the importance of resilience and adaptability.
“Please be patient and make sure you book ahead especially if you plan to eat out.”
For Lancefield Lodge proprietor Danielle Crawford, the lifting of restrictions is a welcome sign after a year of significant turmoil.
In June, the Lancefield Lodge suffered significant damage to its property from the harsh rain and wind that hit the Ranges. To make matters worse, ongoing COVID-19 restrictions made it impossible for the lodge to welcome metropolitan visitors.
But Ms Crawford said things are looking up.
“We’re starting to get really quite busy now, which is great, especially over the Christmas period,” she said.
