Sapphire Coast tourism operators urge holidaymakers not to be deterred by bushfires

Despite bushfires having a devastating affect on many areas in NSW and potentially having a negative impact on what is usually the peak tourist season, tourism operators on NSW's Sapphire Coast are urging holidaymakers not to be deterred from visiting the region.

Tourism operators on the Sapphire Coast - situated halfway between Sydney and Melbourne - have urged holidaymakers to continue to visit this summer holiday season as the region is not currently affected by the NSW bushfires, with all areas open as usual.

Kristy McBain, Mayor Bega Valley Shire advised “the residents and businesses of the Sapphire Coast region are deeply saddened by the severe bushfires that have been impacting many parts of NSW, including the Batemans Bay region which is over 200 kilometres north of the Sapphire Coast.

“Here on the Sapphire Coast, it’s business as usual. The region remains open and we encourage visitors to continue to travel here for the upcoming summer holiday season.

“All inland and coastal towns are open and sincerely look forward to welcoming visitors to enjoy the region’s pristine waters, stunning scenery and famed local produce.

Mayor McBain added “we have been disappointed to hear that a couple of our tourism operators on the Sapphire Coast have reported booking cancellations and we are seeing the affect of that already. We want to ensure that the impact on the Eurobodalla region doesn’t continue through to the Sapphire Coast.

“Our thoughts are with those regions that have been impacted by the fires and our thanks go to the heroes of the RFS, SES, commonwealth agencies and community volunteers on the ground.”

Mayor McBain is encouraging holidaymakers to contact the Sapphire Coast Visitor Information Centres and to check on the current status of the fires via the NSW Rural Fire Service website and Fires Near Me app.

For more information go to to www.sapphirecoast.com.au

To see the current status of fires in NSW, head to the NSW Rural Fire Service website www.rfs.nsw.gov.au