Eagle Bay fires spark tourism concerns for travel confidence to region

After the devastation of the recent South West blazes, the region’s tourism sector is fearful of the long-term damage to visitor confidence. While many businesses were hit hard, the Meelup Regional Park suffered severe damage and its closure has led to a drop in visitation. Margaret River Busselton Tourism Association chief executive Sharna Kearney said the area had experienced a slump in business. “The ongoing closure of the Meelup Regional Park is negatively impacting visitation to this part of the region, with its spectacular beaches and walk trails being a key part of the attraction for visitors,” she said. “We know that bushfire activity has an immediate and negative impact on travel confidence to visit the whole region and a number of businesses close to the fire-affected area have reported being quieter than usual over the last week or so.” She said only time would tell how the tourism industry would be affected long term. “There is no single answer or source of support which will solve the issues facing our local industry at this time,” she said. “We must instead navigate the coming weeks . . . tackling each issue at a time, and ensuring that we focus not only on reacting to immediate circumstances but to pursue long-term solutions which will help the region to thrive into the future.” As the Eagle Bay area continues to bounce back, City of Busselton mayor Grant Henley reminded tourists there were many other beautiful places to visit in the region. “I think we need to emphasise it’s a very large region and there are always, from the Australian regional perspective, going to be bushfires. However, at the same time there are still plenty of safe places to visit within the region and there are plenty of protection protocols in place to ensure people are protected when holidaying,” he said.