WITH almost two weeks of the school summer holidays still to run, tourism operators are grinning all the way to the bank, giving the 2013/14 season a big thumbs up.
Greater Port Macquarie Tourism Association president Janette Hyde said she had checked with a number of accommodation and attraction businesses and without exception they all said that this had been the best school holidays for a long time.
“Bookings have been great and people are staying longer,” Mrs Hyde said.
“Everyone has commented on the consistently great weather we have experienced – all very positive.”
Her vice-president, Chris Denny, who operates the Observatory resort hotel in Port Macquarie, agreed.
“We’re finding it quite strong,” he said.
“It has been a little bit different this year in that Christmas occurred mid-week on the Wednesday.
“People usually arrive on Boxing Day, but this year they came mid-week before Christmas, so the heavy booking period started earlier.
“The feedback I am getting is that Port Macquarie is a good destination with lots of good products. The weather had also been great, which helps.”
Another trend he had noticed was more international visitors.
“Our market is still primarily regional NSW followed closely by Sydney, but what we have noticed is that we are greater influx of international visitors,” he said. “It’s been a noticeable increase. That is a very positive trend.”
Mr Denny attributed that to international marketing targeting the emerging markets of China and India.
He expected the heavy bookings to continue through Australia Day, tapering off late month when NSW schools returned.
Mark Ennor from Bellrowan Horse Riding inland from Port Macquarie was among those enjoying a record year.
“We are coming up to our 11th year and this season has been phenomenal. We are actually up 25 per cent on our previous best year, which was in 2011,” Mr Ennor said.
“One of the reasons – and we are really proud of this – is that 39 percent of those who have come for a horse ride have been before and are repeat visitors or have come with friends who have come before.
“This season has been a real pearler for us. It shows if you have a good product and give good service it can really pay off.”
