NSW introduces stay vouchers, but agent bookings aren’t included

Accommodation providers across NSW can register for two of the state government’s new voucher programs, but bookings made through travel agents are not included.

The two voucher programs, Parents NSW and Stay NSW, will be implemented using the existing Dine & Discover NSW infrastructure.

Premier Dominic Perrottet said families will be able to access the Parents NSW vouchers and Stay NSW vouchers from February.

“This stimulus is just what families and businesses need with school holidays concluding,” Perrottet said.

“Parents across all communities have made huge sacrifices during the pandemic and we want to say thank you to all of them.

“Eligible customers will soon be able to redeem their $250 worth of Parents NSW vouchers and $50 Stay NSW voucher with registered Stay NSW businesses, which is a huge win for the accommodation and tourism sectors which have been especially hard hit by the pandemic.”

The vouchers are part of the NSW governments $2.8 billion COVID-19 Economic Recovery Strategy and come on the back of the more the $1billion COVID business support package announced this week.

Businesses will be paid within ten days after redeeming a voucher and customers can pool multiple vouchers with friends or family for the same booking.

The program does not include bookings made through third-party providers such as online booking platforms and travel agents.

However, the introduction of the vouchers has received praise from many figures across the NSW travel industry, including the CEO of Accommodation Association, Richard Munro.

Munro praises the decision, however, he believes that more action is needed from the Federal Government.

“Right now, our members are stuck between a rock and a hard place.

“Ongoing staffing issues and a lack of consumer confidence in travel means the Accommodation Association are calling on the Federal Government to acknowledge that they too must do their part to support the businesses that support so much of our country; from staff and their families to regional destinations, hospitality businesses to suppliers and drivers,” Munro said.

Tourism Accommodation Australia’s NSW CEO, Michael Johnson, also welcomes the decision and believes it will be critical as Omicron continues to hinder the travel industry.

“These vouchers will boost visitor economies in the regions, which saw a slight uplift in business over the holiday period, and in the city, where hotels have been struggling to survive without tourists and business travellers.

“These vouchers will come at the perfect time for many people who had their holiday plans postponed by the Omicron wave and are still keen for a getaway or weekend staycation in one of our excellent accommodation hotels.”

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