Worst-hit businesses in fire-ravaged Kangaroo Valley of Australia are calling tourists to come back as fires are now under control and fear that firms and jobs will be lost if the clear message is not heard.
The tourism industry’s assessment says fires that have been extinguished all through the holiday season have already cost them nearly a billion dollar ($ 688 million).
The Kangaroo Valley, the wildlife safe haven around 150km south of Sydney, was badly affected when video of blazing forests went global and deterred holidaymakers both home and overseas.
Now, due to several days of rain and an interruption in the heat wave, the number of active fires have been reduced across the country’s densely populated southeast.Though authorities have warned that hotter conditions will return later in the week.
Andi Csantos, a resident who is organising a fundraising dinner for the city says because of the bushfires risk, many tourists were asked not to come.
“Now the risk from bushfires is absolutely over. And it’s really the need of the hour that people come and support our community so that our businesses can continue.”
Usually the weeks starting from November till New Year are the busiest time for the region which lost more than 30 homes because of the fire.
“I just have to have faith and help (to) actually support my employees,” as said by Monique Moul, a restaurant owner who has seen business halve in the last few weeks.
Holidaymakers are now seen slowly started to make their way back. Sam Thoma, a traveller from Sydney said “The quicker the travellers come back to support them, then they will survive. If not, some may not do so”.
The Australian government over the weekend contributed millions in aid for the tourist industry, which accounts for more than 3% of the country’s annual economic output and one in every 13 jobs.
