Port Fairy business operators are predicting another busy grand final long weekend.
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Port Fairy Visitor Information Centre tourism officer Sharon Parker said it looked promising.
“We’re expecting a good weekend like last year,” Mrs Parker said.
Langley’s Port Fairy Accommodation Booking Service co-owner Pauline Davies expects their 60 properties to be at capacity.
“It’s fantastic for tourism,” Ms Davies said.
“They come away for the weekend with the intention of watching the grand final.
“When they call to book, they’re asking how big the screen is on the TV in the property.”
She said while bookings came in quickly last year after the holiday was announced, people were prepared and booked earlier this year.
“It’s really good for us. It’s a really good weekend for the region as far as tourism goes.”
If The Shoe Fits and Isabella’s co-owner Michelle Mayo said the store would open for the three days.
“We expect it to be similar to last year,” Mrs Mayo said.
“It was quite busy last long weekend and there were a lot of people in town.”
She said most stores were owner-operated and the owners would work on Friday to reduce staff costs.
Mrs Mayo said she expected most retailers to open on Friday and while it may quieten down on Saturday “there (are) a lot of people who don’t like football” who may choose to shop instead.
Port Fairy Business Association president Ken Brookes said the Great Ocean Road closure between Lorne and Wye River could attract families to the south-west instead.
He said he would open his store Brookes Timber & Hardware on Friday with minimum staff and it was a great opportunity to capitalise on.
"The benefits are definitely there for places like Port Fairy,” Mr Brookes said.
“You never know – it’s an interesting weekend. People want to get around the TV and keep in touch with the football.”