With Victoria opening its borders to vaccinated international travellers for the first time in two years on February 21, Moorabool council is hoping to see the shire’s tourism sector get backs on its feet.
According to data from economic analysis centre REMPLAN, tourism represents a relatively small chunk of the shire’s total generated output, just 3.3 per cent or $78.6 million annual output.
Despite being dwarfed by the more lucrative construction ($453.4 million) and agriculture ($264.7 million) industries, tourism is responsible for employing at least 420 people across Moorabool.
Moorabool council mayor Tom Sullivan told Star Weekly it was important for workers and business owners in this area to be supported.
“It is widely known that the pandemic has impacted many industries over the past two years, in particular the tourism and hospitality sector,” Cr Sullivan said.
“Recruitment has also been difficult across the industry. These challenges are not limited to Moorabool.”
Mr Sullivan said he was also encouraged to see the return of events, such as the Blackwood Easter Woodchop Carnival.
“We encourage our locals to spend local, and host their visiting friends and relatives to experiences at local businesses,” Cr Sullivan said.
“Our locals can also help spread the word about available local jobs which can be found on Moorabool Localised.”
