Independent Liberal candidate Pete Smith and independent candidate Roy Reekie are now both  in favour of the new public holiday only days after opposing the initiative.

“I was wrong about the holiday; I’m happy to admit that,” Mr Reekie said.

“When I was out and about in Warrnambool on Friday, Liebig Street was busy while Gateway Plaza was quiet.

“The cafes at the south end of Liebig Street were full all day, and I hear that Port Fairy was the same.”

Mr Smith said the boost was more pronounced in Warrnambool than Portland.

“I noticed vehicles queued up to enter caravan parks and hundreds of families enjoying the parklands in Warrnambool and Port Fairy,” he said.

“I was wrong to see the long weekend Friday as an imposition...while tourism facilities in Warrnambool and Port Fairy seemed to be enjoying an unexpected boost.”