Tourists return but labour pains linger
BACK-to-back long weekends, the relaxing of Covid mandates and the return of international arrivals have combined to tick over city cash registers at a rate not seen since the pandemic hit.
There has been a buzz throughout the CBD as returning visitors bring renewed confidence among business owners.
However, a labour force void caused by the absence of visitors travelling on working holiday visas is being felt by short-staffed businesses desperate for workers. Quicksilver Group managing director Tony Baker said the company’s brands had traded well recently but there was a way to go.
“It has been nice to see business starting to return and nice to see early signs of a return of international visitors but we continue to face significant challenges,” he said.
“Most notably with staffing, and there is still some supply issues with items that need to come in from overseas.
“There used to be a lot of working holiday visa people that are currently not here in numbers.
“It’s the same with many industries across the region.”
Visiting from Melbourne, Harlene Hercules and partner Rob Patiriadis enjoyed a tropical mini-holiday in Cairns.
Ms Hercules said she noticed staff shortages during their five-day trip.
“Some places were not open as advertised but it didn’t hinder our experience,” she said.
“The main thing for the tourists is to understand (staff shortages) are happening in Cairns, and if you have that understanding you are going to have a good experience. If not, then it’s going to be uncomfortable.”
The couple estimated they spent $2000 during their brief holiday.
“We will be back again,” Ms Hercules said.
“Where we spent money was on food, massages and we went to Kuranda markets where we bought something.
“We had a head massage (at K’s Japanese Head Spa) in the laneway, it was something we don’t have in Melbourne, and something a bit different.
“We just basically came to relax and get a different vibe to Melbourne.
“Even though it has been raining, it has still been pleasant.”
Lillipad Cafe owner Yuri Kagan said the Labour Day public holiday had been his best day of trade in a long while.
“Everything is flying back up,” he said.
“Five years ago on Anzac Day we did 350 (orders) and this Anzac Day we did 240.
“The numbers are still not there, but it was busy.”