The Comfort Inn Coach and Bushmans in Seymour is one of the accommodation venues across the town that has revelled in having travellers back, and owners Bhushan and Avruti Joshi said business was booming.
“It was such an exciting time to be back open post a long-winded lockdown, and to have our guests back enjoying their newfound freedoms and our amazing staff members back to work,” Mrs Joshi said.
“Since re-opening, despite the rise in COVID cases, we are noticing a significant appetite amongst younger people in particular for travel, and the bookings keep coming.”
She said mainly young couples and families were travelling either to reunite with friends and family or just for a short break.
Most people were staying for two to four nights at the Comfort Inn and she said it was a nice change to have travellers instead of contractors.
"It’s great to be embracing holiday-makers and having them support our humble community,“ Mrs Joshi said.
“We are fortunate to have the customers, such as railway workers and Army base contractors, who help us survive in this hard pandemic situation.”
She said people had changed the ways they holidayed due to the pandemic.
“We're noticing people opting for that quick, local getaway that is close enough to home to travel by car,” Mrs Joshi said.
“Last year, Choice Hotels undertook an independent research study which found 71 per cent of Australians are opting for road trips that take four hours or less – perfect for that quick getaway to reset, recharge and rejuvenate after being cooped up at home for so long.”
"At this time of year people love the Goulburn River, whether it’s for boating, fishing or swimming. We are an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise.“