The Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) says a marked drop in visitors to its New South Wales tourist attraction due to the COVID-19 lockdown is having a severe impact on its fundraising capability.
The RFDS Visitor Experience in Dubbo in the state's Central West usually attracts more than half of its visitor base from the Sydney and Wollongong areas.
RFDS head of tourism John Larkin said since the lockdown of Greater Sydney began on June 26 the site had experienced a significant drop in tourists.
He said the most recent school holidays saw a 65 per cent drop in visitors compared to last year.
"We had a dramatic decrease in participation numbers compared to this time last year, actually compared to every holiday period since we opened in 2019."
The centre is a crucial funding stream for the aeromedical service with money from ticket sales, merchandise and tours going back into the medical arm of the organisation.
Mr Larkin says the drop in income will have a substantial impact.
"We're still working through numbers, but it's going to be very significant," he said.
Concern for next holiday period
Mr Larkin said visitor numbers would further decline while the Sydney lockdown and interstate border restrictions remained in place.
The sentiment is echoed by accommodation provider Ian Mitchell who owns the Riverside Caravan Park in Mudgee.
He said the prolonged lockdown made people hesitant to make travel plans for spring.
"The traditional base is 90 to 95 per cent occupancy for the 30 days of September," Mr Mitchell said.
"If we don't have some relaxation in the ability of people to travel out of Sydney, it's going to have a huge effect on September."
Regional travel remains strong
Mr Mitchell said the representation from Newcastle and the ACT as well as grey nomads from other parts of NSW remained strong since last year.
"I truly think with Victoria closing the borders, and Queensland possibly to follow, it will make people have to stay in NSW so that increases our grey-nomads base that is able to travel," he said.
Mr Mitchell said he expected people who had planned holidays to the Greater Sydney area may choose instead to head to the regions.
"If they're reluctant or unable to go to the Sydney area, if they had holidays booked, they'll still go somewhere," he said.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian announced on Wednesday that restrictions for the Greater Sydney area would be extended until 11:59pm on Friday, 30 July.
Regional NSW restrictions remain unchanged.
