STR bouncing back from Cyclone Alfred

Tourism and short term rentals (STR) are bouncing back in far northern NSW and southeast Queensland almost three weeks after Cyclone Alfred wreaked havoc.

STR analytics company Key Data says occupancy rates plunged and cancellations surged across the region as the storm approached the Queensland coast, led by a 65% occupancy fall in Byron Shire and 62% on the Sunshine Coast.

Key Data says its research shows that natural disasters such as Cyclone Alfred can often have a long-term negative impact on destinations.

But bookings started flowing in soon the storm’s aftermath on the Gold Coast, according to Glenyss De Vylder, a property manager active in the local STR community.  

“Yes, we got cancellations but many rebooked and we’ve had new bookings,” Glenyss said. “People are still desperate to come to the Gold Coast, that’s my experience. 

“I did miss some bookings personally because we’re in area where we didn’t have power or internet for 10 days.”

Feedback from peers mirrors her experience with praise for local tourism organisations getting on the front foot and saying it was ok to come.

“We have had great publicity that the beaches were open, very reassuring,” one said.

“I think Gold Coast tourism has really pumped media to say we’re back to normal,” Glenyss added. 

“They’re also offering digital market grants for tourism operators and are really wanting to boost tourism.”

Guests are now starting to book for the looming Easter school holidays and Anzac Day long weekend, albeit significantly later than usual.

“People are very cost-conscious,” said Glenyss. “They still want to go away but they’re going for shorter periods and also assessing what other packages are around in Australia and overseas.

“The positive thing is they do still want to go away and short term is an option.”

Read: Key Data analysis of short term rental impacts of hurricanes and cyclones.