Elsie Lange
Members of the Macedon Ranges Accommodation Association (MRAA) are feeling good about the upcoming holiday season, despite an easing of demand since lockdowns first ended.
MRAA president Mariel Sloane said in prepartion, accommodation providers were planning for a busy season, but would remain flexible and “adjust to changing conditions”.
She said a slow down in visitor numbers were more likely due to uncertain economic conditions and an easing of the post lockdown travel boom, rather than the resumption of international travel taking visitors away from the region.
“Since the lockdowns many Victorians have been introduced to the Macedon Ranges and our fantastic food and wine, beautiful natural surroundings and excellent accommodation, and we feel this will continue to attract visitors throughout the summer season,” she said.
“While the gardens of the region have enjoyed the unseasonably high rainfall we hope this stabilises and we receive some magnificent summer weather so visitors can enjoy the great outdoors our many great walks, cycling trails and natural attractions.”
Daylesford Macedon Tourism chief executive Steve Wroe said it would be hard to predict what visitation would be like these holidays.
“On one hand, we have enjoyed solid and high yielding visitation since lockdowns ended, thanks to our proximity to Melbourne and strong regional brand,” he said.
“What our region offers aligns with what the research tells us people are looking for: great food and wine, easy access to beautiful nature, scenic drives, and a bit of rejuvenation: whether that’s a massage, great meal, bush walk, or splurge on some lovely accommodation.
“On the other hand, we are seeing a bit of a softening of demand.”
He said while peoples’ savings, as well as their annual leave, had accumulated during lockdowns, the build-up of time-off was starting to stablise.
“People are clearly starting to worry about the economy. Of course, the possible weakening of demand might just be a short term thing attributable to the lousy weather that we have had,” Mr Wroe said.
“Either way, I think that the attributes of our region: great product… the green landscape and the fact that we’re an hour away mean we’ll be fine.
“It’s the further flung regions that I think might do it tougher over summer.”
