Motels, caravan parks and accommodation providers across the Wimmera and Grampians are reeling as metropolitan tourists cancel their bookings due to the new Victorian Government restrictions.
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The announcement was a bitter pill to swallow for the industry just starting to recover from the previous state-imposed lockdown in March.
Horsham Riverside Caravan Park manager Sue Jones said, "the whole situation is very sad".
"Things are looking quite bleak for the next six weeks," she said.
"I really don't know what is going to happen.
"We've had cancellations all day; the majority of people can't come because they live in Melbourne."
Ms Jones said the business was beginning to pick up as business people returned to Horsham and domestic travel grew.
Unfortunately, any sign of recovery is now on ice.
"In recent weeks we've had people stay with us who were from Melbourne.
"They took the opportunity to stay in Horsham when they would otherwise have gone to Queensland or overseas.
"We would normally have a big callisthenics competition this year that would fill the caravan park.
"You would get clubs from across Victoria and South Australia, but I can't see that happening this year."
Peter Matheson, the manager of Horsham International Hotel, was slightly more optimistic.
"It's a bit unknown at the moment; time will tell," he said.
"Horsham is different from other towns in the area; most of our travellers are out here for work.
Ararat Motor Inn manager Michael Patel admits he fears the sound of the phone ringing.
"Today has been a range of emotions," Mr Patel said.
"Every time the phone rings, I fear it is another cancellation.
"We went through this three months ago and now we are going through it again."
Typically, the 14 rooms of the Barkly St motel would be packed each week with business travellers.
However, after the Victorian Government's announcement to lock down all of metropolitan Melbourne, Mr Patel's phone has been ringing hot.
"Since the announcement today, I have had many cancellations.
"We are bracing for more cancellations.
"Most of our customers are from Melbourne coming to conduct business.
"We were on the road to recovery, but that is out the window."
Mr Patel employs five casual staff members at the motel, many of which are currently working under JobKeeper.
"I'm not worried about my business closing.
"What I am worried about is giving my employees something to do."
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Ben Fraser
Ben is the Editor with the Wimmera Mail-Times, Stawell Times-News and Ararat Advertiser. Ben is the former chief of staff at the Portland Observer, a qualified teacher, and an Leadership Great South Coast alumni (2019).
Ben is the Editor with the Wimmera Mail-Times, Stawell Times-News and Ararat Advertiser. Ben is the former chief of staff at the Portland Observer, a qualified teacher, and an Leadership Great South Coast alumni (2019).
