Appeal to chip in for business

THE cancellation of major Hobart waterfront events has created an economic pinch felt by neighbouring businesses, while there’s some suggestion other traders have capitalised on festival closures.

When organisers of the annual Taste Festival and Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race announced the drawcard events would not proceed this year, it left a tourism void on Hobart’s waterfront not seen for decades.

Ben Cooper, owner of waterfront seafood punt Fishy Business said a lack of international tourists roaming the area this summer had “undoubtedly” contributed to an economic downturn.

“With the Taste and yacht race cancelled this year we haven’t had those normal festivities this year that typically bring people down to the dock either,” Mr Cooper said.

“These events were cancelled for good reason, though, and I’m fully on board with the restrictions that have helped keep us safe.”

San Churro Chocolateria manager Aman Ahuja said the difference between summer trade this year and last was black and white.

“This year it seems like there is no tourism,” he said.

“Every business is suffering. The NYE period has been very quiet and we’ve experienced a 50 per cent drop in sales on the same period last year.”

Waterfront Businesses Community Group chair David Quinn said cancellation of tourism events had hit traders hard.

“Heading into summer, accommodation bookings were looking OK, then when the Sydney- Hobart was cancelled a lot of yachtsmen … cancelled rooms,” he said.

“Some bookings were picked up by locals and other interstate travellers but the ac

commodation side of things has still been down.”

Despite the financial downturn felt across several businesses, Mr Quinn said some traders were reporting a spike in takings.

“One of the positive things has been that in the absence of the Taste Festival some of the bars and clubs in the area have been reporting good trading,” he said.

“Queues have been seen outside clubs before opening hours lasting until the time of closure.”

Mr Quinn said on average, businesses that fetched walkup trade, such as punts and cafes, were seeing a 10- 20 per cent trade decline this summer, while larger restaurants and up- market hotels were reporting a 30- 50 per cent drop.

From Thursday the Hobart City council’s restaurant and cafes discount voucher scheme launches a month- long initiative Mr Quinn said would likely encourage punters to support Hobart businesses.

Tasmanian Small Business Council chief executive Robert Mallett said Hobart businesses couldn’t afford to trade with closed international borders for long.

“In the short term people aren’t leaving the state in large numbers so, as a result, they are spending money at home but I’m not sure how sustainable that is,” he said.