Some temporary heartache now will hopefully allow Wollongong to resume a more normal summer holiday season after Christmas.
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Destination Wollongong general manager Mark Sleigh said there was disappointment in tourism and hospitality circles about the return of tougher COVID-19 restrictions this week.
But if everyone does the right thing the negative impact may be short lived.
"After a couple of weeks of being able to trade at two-square-metres per person, to move backwards to the two-square-metres per person rule is obviously going to impact businesses over the Christmas period," he said.
"But most importantly we are going to continue to trade and I think one of the things that Wollongong and the South Coast has been extremely good at is acting responsibly.
"Business and the local community have consistently made sure we can continue to trade."
Mr Sleigh said an absolute disaster would be if COVID-19 cases spread and everything was locked down again.
He said we need to try and avoid that because it would have a major economic impact on the tourism and hospitality industry during what is traditionally its most profitable time.
Mr Sleigh said there is still hope for the holiday season if businesses continue to operate responsibly and locals and visitors comply with social distancing requirements.
That includes people getting tested and staying at home if they feel unwell.
Mr Sleigh said coming into the holiday season having tight restrictions made perfect sense.
"I think the government is definitely wanting to ease the restrictions as soon as they possibly can," he said.
"And jumping in quickly with tight restrictions has certainly been the learning from all around the world.
"By getting in early and knocking it on the head now it will hopefully give everyone the chance to enjoy Christmas with their family and give businesses the opportunity to trade in a less restricted manner over summer."
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Greg Ellis
Almost four decades in electronic, print and digital media. A writer, presenter, emcee, photographer and videographer with degrees in business management, marketing and human resources and tertiary qualifications in photography.
Almost four decades in electronic, print and digital media. A writer, presenter, emcee, photographer and videographer with degrees in business management, marketing and human resources and tertiary qualifications in photography.
