Port Campbell looks forward to welcoming guests ahead of the long weekend as accommodation providers report an increase in bookings since the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic.
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Best Western Great Ocean Road Motor Inn owner and manager Liz McKenzie has had some guests book in since the easing of restrictions.
"I'm positive for the long weekend but after that it's up in air," she said.
"It's been pretty ordinary, we've been open for essential workers only and it's been very quiet as their workplaces have enforced travel bans.
"We've had a few bookings for the weekend and for Saturday in particular.
"It's fantastic to see people come back."
Ms McKenzie's elation is short-lived as she believes the township could turn stagnant again after the long weekend as the Twelve Apostles remain closed to comply with physical distancing measures.
"I think we will see a lot of people on day trips and not a lot staying overnight," she said.
"I don't think people realise the Twelve Apostles are closed, I think they're coming here expecting them to be open. I've had guests in and they didn't know they were closed."
Great Ocean Road Regional Tourism general manager Liz Price said towns such as Port Campbell had been hit hard throughout the pandemic as 60 to 70 per cent of people who booked accommodation were from overseas.
"The return to overnight visitation is critical in supporting Port Campbell recovering from the impact of COVID-19 restrictions," she said.
"The long weekend presents an opportunity for visitors from Melbourne and regional Victoria to come and stay, with many operators having had three-to-four months of little or no trade.
"Visitors are encouraged to book direct and book ahead both for accommodation and for food service eat in, take away or delivery."
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Ms McKenzie hopes tourism will now begin to build again in her town.
"I'm hoping people will come along the Great Ocean Road to Port Campbell and take more than a day to look around," she said.
"I think it will be a day-by-day, week-by-week thing. People aren't planning three months ahead anymore but they're making last minute bookings.
"It is the best time to travel now, it's so quiet as there's no international travellers.
"I hope people take advantage of this time, you just need to bring your beanie and scarf."
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