Regional NSW is set to play a big role in rebuilding the state’s economy following COVID-19 restrictions, with families increasingly looking to the bush for holiday options closer to home.
Figures from NRMA Parks and Resorts in NSW show bookings for the October School Holidays are up 30 per cent on last year, with more families keen to book holidays within their own state in case they need to travel home at short notice.
The NRMA has released the figures as part of the Daily Telegraph’s annual Bush Summit campaign and has joined the campaign to promote regional NSW.
Holiday Parks located in open spaces like National Parks have seen the biggest growth, with NRMA Murramarang on the South Coast and NRMA Myall Shores on the Mid-North Coast recording 146 and 127 per cent jumps from the July school holidays compared with last year.
Pleasingly, the demand for Holiday Parks impacted by the recent bushfires like Murramarang and Merimbula has also increased, after a very tough start to the year for these communities.
NRMA spokesperson Peter Khoury said regional NSW would play a huge role in the rebuild efforts as the state emerged from COVID-19 restrictions.
“Drought, bushfires and now COVID-19 have all hit regional NSW hard however there is growing confidence that regional tourism can play a key role in the state’s recovery as people change their travel habits – achieving this outcome is critical to boosting regional NSW,” Mr Khoury said.
“With international and even interstate travel on hold, this situation presents a great opportunity for Regional NSW to really show Sydneysiders what it has to offer – which is a lot!”
“Holiday makers are now looking for different things when it comes to booking a holiday. They want to be within a few hours of home, in open spaces with lots of fresh air and natural beauty, and most importantly, they want flexible booking options.
“Camping sites are also gaining popularity with many guests looking to trial going ‘off-grid’ and get back to nature. Many guests booking camping sites say they have never camped before but feel confident doing so in a holiday park setting.
“While our coastal parks remain popular, our inland parks like Dubbo and Bathurst are also proving to be popular. Families love the idea of a road trip and they’re quickly realising these regional centres have so much to offer.
“Our regional communities are really feeling the emptiness of visitors right now, so it’s great that peak periods like the October School Holidays are already looking popular.”
The NRMA is one of the largest owners and operators of holiday parks in Australia with 50 across the country including 22 in NSW.
NRMA is urging Customers looking to travel during the October School Holiday period to book early with many accommodation options quickly booking out across NSW.
