Cheryl Hammer, sole owner and operator of Orrvale small accommodation business The Churches, says like many tourism operators, she is weary of continuing restrictions.
“People are just so tired and disillusioned, it's hard to keep picking yourself up and dusting off,” she said.
Ms Hammer has lost one booking over the lockdown this weekend and estimates a $1200 loss.
She had previously lost bookings during March and was able to accept bookings for the June long weekend, but was forced to close due to government orders.
In another hit, she was deemed ineligible for government support for tourism operators last night, but plans to appeal the decision.
“I'm feeling a bit weary and quite knocked around this time about it,” she said.
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Tourism Greater Shepparton and Shepparton's The Teller Collective owner Ingrid Thomas said this sentiment echoed across the industry in Greater Shepparton.
“Certainly any period of lockdown is disappointing, because there's going to be an impact on accommodation providers" she said.
“We had barely come out of the last lockdown, so some of our trade hasn't recovered to pre-lockdown levels.”
Ms Thomas said lockdowns had caused a noticeable hit to the confidence of customers in booking accommodation or events again.
Like many other small tourism businesses, Ms Hammer has offered refunds free of charge to any guest whose stay is impacted by restrictions. But many of her guests have told her to keep the money for a later booking instead.
“I've had loyal and lovely guests . . . but it's just a bit of a double whammy" she said.
However, Ms Thomas said moved booking costs and cancelled booking costs had to be shared equally between customers and businesses.
“We would suggest to people making these bookings to consider all other options before seeking a refund" she said.
The five reasons to leave home in place during Victoria's most recent lockdown have returned: two hours of exercise with one other person or household member, compassionate care or caregiving, medical care, authorised work and getting vaccinated.
The latest restrictions are set to remain until 11.59 pm on Tuesday, July 20 unless they are relaxed earlier for regional Victoria, or otherwise extended.
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