00:01This is typically a busy time of year for motel owner Cyndia Hilliger.
00:06But looking ahead, bookings aren't so steady.
00:10So it's $17,000 worth of cancellations we've received since the start of March,
00:16which is probably about 50% attributable to the fuel costs.
00:25She says it's not just rising prices.
00:28There seems to be a perception that we're actually running out of fuel on the island,
00:32but this is not the case.
00:34On Tasmania's east coast, there are also preparations for a potential drop-off.
00:40Normally after east, it drops always a bit in Tasmania,
00:43but we hope there are more bookings coming in.
00:46I think the petrol parts will dampen that expectation dramatically.
00:52Also affecting Tasmania's accommodation providers,
00:56a 15% surcharge for Spirit of Tasmania customers.
01:00We are seeing a bit of a slowing of bookings and things like the Spirit of Tasmania,
01:04but we're also seeing those bookings just be pushed back a bit.
01:08So they're still wanting to come, but they just want to get a bit more surety on what's going to
01:11happen.
01:12The Tasmanian Government says a Tourism Roundtable meeting was held this week
01:17and that it's monitoring the situation.
01:19It's encouraging those reassessing travel plans to consider something a little closer to home instead.
01:26The tourism industry is resilient and we're ready to host visitors,
01:30and we know that once visitors get here, they have the best time.
01:33One thing to consider is that travelling in your own backyard
01:37and supporting the industry locally is a good way to save on fuel costs,
01:42but also support your local hospitality and tourism industry.
01:45Optimism for a smoother road ahead.
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