Flexibility key to negotiating holiday season in uncertain times

Macquarie Waters Boutique Apartment Hotel manager Natalie Johnson stressed the importance of flexibility in the accommodation sector at a time of surging COVID-19 cases disrupting many holiday plans.

The Port Macquarie apartment hotel is 80 per cent to 90 per cent booked in January.

"The bookings themselves are good but COVID is meaning they constantly need the ability to change and our staffing is constantly changing," Miss Johnson said.

A lot of COVID-related cancellations were coming through, she said, but also many re-bookings.

Miss Johnson praised the HumanKIND campaign which urges people to show kindness and patience as businesses navigate the challenges associated with the new COVID-normal.

She said a lot of hospitality venues were grateful for the helpful campaign.

Industry groups and businesses are supporting the Port Macquarie-Hastings Council-led HumanKIND campaign.

Rockpool Motor Inn, jointly managed by Dianne and Fred Collie, has experienced a busy holiday season.

Mrs Collie said COVID-related cancellations were quickly picked up by new guests.

She said the South West Rocks motor inn had been at capacity since November but had a few breaks in traffic just before Australia Day.

February was starting to become heavily booked, Mrs Collie said.

Diamond Waters Treehouse Retreat was booked out at least six months in advance of the busy Christmas/new year season with guests reassured by a full COVID refund policy.

Accommodation operator Kerry McFadyen said the treehouse accommodation, which attracted a lot of return guests, was unique in the region.

The Diamond Head Road property is home to two private luxury treehouses with plenty of space for separation during the pandemic.

"People want to get away and they want to do it in a way that is as safe as they can," Ms McFadyen said.

The accommodation provider had a COVID-related cancellation over the peak holiday season but the slot was filled by another guest.

Diamond Waters Treehouse Retreat has drawn guests over the holidays from Sydney, Newcastle, Dubbo and Broken Hill.

Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can continue to access our trusted content: