20 march 2020: kimberley tourism operators’ plea with holiday makers: “defer, don’t cancel”
Amid a barrage of phone calls and emails, Lake Argyle Resort have released a statement that undoubtedly represents the Kimberley tourism industry as a whole: “Defer, don’t cancel”.
“I think we speak on behalf of the entire tourism industry when we ask, if you are unable to visit the Kimberley due to COVID19 and its related travel restrictions, please consider deferring your plans rather than cancelling them ... By doing this, you are helping to ensure the local businesses, tour companies and accommodation providers will still be here when we all get back on our feet and you are free to start exploring once again.”
the full statement:
“Today, we look around us and see an unfamiliar place, a place full of uncertainty, fear and even loss. It is truly heartbreaking to see the world as we know it in a holding pattern, separated from loved ones, unable to access basic supplies and having to cancel events that support entire regions.
We understand that travel to our region is now being heavily restricted in an effort to protect our vulnerable communities and we whole heartedly agree that protecting our people is of the most importance.
There is just one thing that we would love for you to consider before you cancel your travel plans….
I think we speak on behalf of the entire tourism industry when we ask, if you are unable to visit the Kimberley due to COVID19 and it’s related travel restrictions, please consider deferring your plans rather than cancelling them and take up the operator’s offer of a credit voucher that can be used in the future. (Lake Argyle Resort & Tours are offering a 2 year validity on all credit vouchers issued in this crisis).
By doing this, you are helping to ensure the local businesses, tour companies and accommodation providers will still be here when we all get back on our feet and you are free to start exploring once again.
This truly is a time to work together as one, look after each other and keep choosing kindness in a scary world. The Lake Argyle team are here if you need an escape, we are still operating as per usual (with a lot extra handwashing and disinfecting) and we will continue to do so while the government recommendations permit.
We will keep sharing photos of our beautiful lake because everyone needs a little break from the hard stuff, let’s call it digital therapy.”
Charlie Sharpe, owner Lake Argyle Resort - click here to read the original statement on Facebook.
