While domestic travel remains the lifeblood of the hard-hit tourism sector and the economy recovers, a major renovation of one of Echuca’s largest accommodation provider reveals an enduring sense of optimism within the industry.  

Visitors to Echuca will experience a new standard of accommodation when they travel next, with the 60-room Quest Echuca this week placing the finishing touches on its major refurbishment. 

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The works include full recarpeting, new furniture fit-out, bedding, bathroom modifications, new in-room kitchen appliances, updated in-room entertainment facilities and more, amounting to almost $1,000,000.

The facelift follows a cataclysmic year for the global tourism sector. In the Echuca Moama Region, the industry, which pre co-vid injected $1.3million per day into the local economy, contracted drastically. 

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A recent survey of operators along the Murray has indicated that 70% of accommodation businesses reported 40% - 100% losses due to cancellations in January, while revenues fell between 80% - 100% for 36% of businesses in the region during January also.  

But franchise business operator of Quest Echuca, Brendan Du Kamp, says that despite the complex period appetite among business and leisure travellers persists, and the provision of quality accommodation will help meet demand in both the short and long term.

“There’s no denying that the past 12 months have been challenging and whilst necessary, border closures have taken a toll on local operators such as myself. However, what is telling is the level of enthusiasm and appetite we’ve seen among the domestic corporate and leisure markets who, when safe to do so, have been eager to come to town and experience all that Echuca has to offer”, said Brendan.

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“We are seeing a consistent uplift, particularly among business travellers mirroring the resumption of more standardised business operations nationally, which is wonderful. 

“When people stay at Quest Echuca, they will now experience a world-class apartment hotel product, while gaining an appreciation for the heritage of the area. We worked with the Echuca Historical Society (EHS) to create a series of photographic artworks which tell our story as Australia’s paddle boat capital and largest inland port”. 

The restoration has been applauded by CEO of Echuca Moama Tourism Kathryn Mackenzie who believes that Echuca is poised for a more positive year in 2021, provided travellers can be given a greater sense of confidence that borders will not be suddenly closed. Ms Mackenzie is joining fellow tourism leaders calling state and federal government for more cohesion and certainty around border restrictions.

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“What we know is that business and leisure travellers alike are eager to go on trips, but that lack of certainty and pace at which we have seen state borders close has bred an understandable sense of caution among consumers”, said Ms Mackenzie.

As the new look Quest Echuca welcomes guests, pre-loved furniture has been donated to the Salvation Army Echuca Moama, with sales proceeds going towards helping vulnerable members of the community.

“The pre-existing furniture was still in great condition, so we’re glad it’s gone to a worthy cause, people will continue enjoying it for many years to come, and funds raised will help people in need. It’s a win-win”, said Brendan.

For more information on Quest Apartment Hotels or to make a booking visit here.

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