‘Harder than usual’: Australia’s peak accommodation body issues plea to Easter holiday-makers

Australia’s foremost accommodation body is urgently pleading with holiday travellers to “head to the regions” this Easter break as smaller hotels and motels face their toughest period in years.

Struggling regional hotels are banking on Aussies to save their Easter ahead of the tough winter months as the country’s fuel crisis continues to bite.

With a slowing of hotel demand across all capitals, the regional hotels that rely on road trippers are feeling the worst of the decline, Accommodation Australia chief executive James Goodwin said.

“Easter and the school holidays are an important period for many of these smaller regional hotels and motels and the visitor economy of the surrounding towns,” he said.

“It is the last holiday break before they head into the quiet winter period which will be even harder than usual with the current fuel and cost of living pressures.”

The stark warning comes as Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced a 50 per cent reduction in fuel excise on Monday, slashing 26.3 cents per litre at the pump.

It could save Aussie’s $16 when filling up a 60L tank.

“We are making fuel cheaper today because we understand that Australians are under serious pressure,” Mr Albanese said.

The Prime Minister was clear that Aussies “should enjoy their Easter, and it’s important as well that we keep the economy going.”

“Easter is an important time for tourism destinations, for jobs. They rely upon that.”

The good news for travellers looking to get away from the bustle of city living, or for those who left booking to the last minute, is there are rooms available at many regional hotels and motels over the busy long weekend.

Mr Goodwin said if bookings were still reasonable this Easter is forecast to be lower than last year.

“A simple comparison with last year is hard because Easter and Anzac Day are separated, reducing the ability to create a single long break without using additional annual leave,” he said.

Those who do support regional businesses outside their own backyard “won’t be disappointed.” Mr Goodwin promised.

The accommodation and food services sector employs more than 980,000 Australians.

“I’m sure each and every one of them would have a happier Easter if they can pick up a shift over the holidays and help make your break a special one,” Mr Goodwin said.

With the Middle East conflict continuing to rage on, the figures from this long weekend will probably be the first real test of their impact on the tourism and hospitality sectors.

“We have already seen costs rise and international aviation capacity reduced, and the most insidious issue we face is traveller uncertainty,” Mr Goodwin said.

“We saw first-hand during the pandemic that confidence is easily lost and very hard to get back.”

Mr Albanese encouraged Australians who can to take public transport in cities to “help save fuel for the areas and industries that need it”.

“The less fuel we use in the cities, obviously the more we can direct to regional areas that are under pressure.” he said.