After a devastating bushfire season, small business doing it tough need your help during ongoing COVID-19 restrictions. Tourism in the Shoalhaven is a billion-dollar industry* and without visitors, it's an important time for locals to support local businesses wherever they can.
In true Shoalhaven spirit many Tourism, Retail and Hospitality Businesses in the Shoalhaven have adapted their offerings to online sales for both locals, and those out of region who can't visit right now. For local foodies, there is now a plethora of cafes and restaurants adapting to primarily take-away and home delivery for locals.
In response to these new business challenges, Shoalhaven City Council's award-winning Tourism Team has developed a new campaign called Spend Here This Year. The aim is to offer visitors in Sydney, Canberra and beyond a way to buy Shoalhaven products and have them delivered direct to their door, whilst they can't travel. For locals who can afford it, the message is clear – shop local - wineries, breweries, gift stores, artisans, producers need your support and are still open to serve you online.
If you are a local business with a product to sell online via voucher or take-away and delivery, you can contact Shoalhaven Visitor Services Team on 02 4421 0778 to get involved. If you treat yourself with a product from a great local business then share it via social media and tag #SpendHereThisYear!
"Most of our businesses in the Shoalhaven are small family-run organisations many of whom were already struggling after the Summer Bushfires affected much of January 2020 which typically generates around one third of the annual income of a tourism business." Said Rob Crow, Chair, Shoalhaven Tourism Advisory Group (STAG).
"But, with resilient spirits and a bit of creativity, Shoalhaven businesses have risen up adapting their business models to sell much-loved Shoalhaven products online and bring virtual experiences, vouchers, gift ideas and take-away and home delivered meals to our loyal locals, and we hope when locals have the choice to buy online – they choose to buy a Shoalhaven product!".
"We ask for those who can, to support our region's beloved local businesses and producers as they move to the digital realm in order to stay afloat during these uncertain times", said Rob Crow, Chair, Shoalhaven Tourism Advisory Group (STAG). "In purchasing your favourite products online from one of our operators, you can directly contribute to the rejuvenation of Shoalhaven's economy as we try to get back on our feet."
A full list of businesses and offerings are online at on shoalhaven.com/spendhere Shoalhaven Tourism encourage everyone to keep an eye out on their digital channels where special virtual experiences will soon drop, giving viewers the opportunity to meet the makers and connect with the community.
