Here's what you can do to support local businesses and our economy!
Written by: Kate Li
The start of a new decade has been marked by raging bushfires, a global pandemic and increasingly tense political climates. While many Australian businesses have been left shaken by the events of this year, nothing compares to what our beloved tourism industry has gone through.
Online or instore, local businesses offer the most incredible, personalised and authentic products like no other.
whether it be a short stop or a weekend destination, it’s a great way to escape the city and find undiscovered, local attractions.
Did you just discover the best croissants at a hidden café? Let your friends know on social media so they can hit those places up too!
Donate your money or time to charities who have been helping families affected by this year's events.
The pandemic has transformed the way we look at tourism. People are now turning to domestic travel, but more people means a higher risk of transmission.
Dislaimer: please adhere to government restrictions and announcements before planning your next travel destination!
Instead of looking to go to that overrated tourist hotspot, why not search for the hidden treasures?
Think a crackling fire, smores and stargazing!
Grab your reusable tupperware, order to-go and head to a quiet spot for an intimate meal.
Hit up the local farmers' market to grab some fresh produce and try out an authentic recipe!
Exploration, adventure and the outdoors is the lifeblood of Australian tourism. Foreigners flock to Australia to experience the natural beauty that the country has to offer and it plays a pivotal role for our growing economy.
While the world rang in a new decade on NYE, Australia was already reeling from the 2019-2020 bushfire season, now ominously termed as the Black Summer. Having burned over 17 million hectares of bush (the same size of Florida) and killed over 1 billion animals, these wildfires led to one of the $4.5 billion loss in the tourism industry.
Many small towns and communities, particularly the South Coast region, are heavily driven by tourism and rely on travellers to visit and spend. However, as these fires destroyed businesses and homes, trip cancellations meant many households struggled with revenue and job losses.
An example of this was the famous Blue Mountains. Usually attracting an average of 4 million visitors annually, the bushfires affected more than 80% of the region, causing a loss of hundreds of millions of dollars during what is usually their busiest holiday season.
To add fuel to the fire, COVID-19 and the suspension of international travel will prolong the industry’s recovery. During such uncertain times, supporting local businesses and driving domestic tourism has never been more important. Whether it’s a day trip to a coastal town, or a road trip interstate, there is so much that we can do to still explore all while supporting our local communities and injecting money into the economy. Planning a budget-friendly trip is as easy as grabbing your friends, fuelling up your car (or hopping on a train) and hitting the road!
Credit: Gena Dray
Credit: Glen Morey/Reuters Attention Editors
Credit: Nina Lipscombe
