Rants & raves
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BAD TIMES, GOOD TIMES
As an ex-resident of Cairns, Queensland, and having travelled there often over the last 15 years, I remember being concerned at the reporting earlier this year about the end of JobKeeper and impact to the tourism industry. But, current and recent lockdowns notwithstanding, over the last month, in trying to book a getaway up there with my pregnant wife, I have had to wonder if the impact of international travel shutdowns has actually resulted in a massive uplift in tourism up that way. I know it's obvious more people have been travelling inside Australia more right now, but places like Port Douglas, which have been showing 95 per cent occupancy at some sites, are experiencing heavier bookings than any time in the past 10 years. What's more, prices on available accommodation are two to four times higher and car rental costs are out of control. That's great news for the travel providers but makes it hard for anyone not cashed up to travel.