Tourism operators in Orange have been urged to strictly follow coronavirus rules on social distancing and cleaning.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Orange360 chair Peter Robson said rules restricting restaurants, bars, cafes and clubs to bookings for 10 people were re-introduced last Friday following the existing rule for hotels.
Venues must limit the number of people on their premises to one person for every four square metres and register a COVID safety plan with the state government.
Mr Robson said it was particularly relevant following the influx of tourists into the region over the past month.
There are a few ratbags who wander in right at the end and they won't have booked.
- Peter Robson, chair of Orange360
"Paramount is the protection of our community. Each and every one of us is responsible for the safety of our community and the reputation of our destination" he said.
"Now more than ever we need ensure that we all remain vigilant and practice COVID compliance."
He said the Orange360 board, tourism operators and accommodation hosts still wanted people to visit the region but they needed to ensure the whole community was safe.
"The vast majority of Orange businesses already require patrons to book ahead, whether this is for a meal or a wine tasting," he said.
"Many are using technology to further streamline the process and increase the safety with QR code scanning to capture names and contact details."
Mr Robson told Orange City Council last week his winery, Ross Hill Wines, was going to great lengths to ensure the rules were met.
That included sticking to rules about people booking for tastings.
Mr Robson said visitors were commenting on how Orange businesses were following the rules.
"[They say] we are following the COVID rules so much better than what's happening in Sydney and they appreciate that," he said.
"There are a few ratbags, we call them the entitled class in our winery, who wander in right at the end and they won't have booked.
"They still think they can swan in, and I think you'll find pretty well generally in Orange, we've been very robust in dealing with those people.
"Saying, that's not the way we do business, the way we do business is do it by the book."
The council last week approved $100,000 funding for Orange360 to create a campaign to principally attract over-55 tourists to the region mid-week.
The $200,000 campaign, also funded by $50,000 each from the Blayney and Cabonne councils, will involve advertising and pay for journalists to visit the region to experience and write about the local attractions.
HAVE YOUR SAY
- Send us a letter to the editor using the form below ...