‘Adopt A Worker’ scheme continues, as local rental crisis for hospitality and tourism workers set to last another season
ACCOMMODATION SHORTAGE
Tourism and hospitality in Douglas can again expect to fall short of full visitor capacity next season because of an ongoing lack of accommodation for staff.
That’s the outlook by the area’s tourism body Tourism Port Douglas Daintree, which will continue to run the ‘Adopt A Worker’ program.
Adopt A Worker was started mid-year in Douglas and called on the local community to open their homes for the busy season – to house baristas, kitchen hands and chefs, hotel workers, cleaning staff and tour guides struggling to find accommodation while working in the region.
“We certainly don’t believe it is going to solve the housing issue,” Ms Bennett said, “but if it can be one piece of the puzzle to help alleviate the pressure going forward, then that would be fantastic.”
“We know that we have been able to secure accommodation that might not have been there for some people which is fantastic,” she said.
“We also saw a good pickup organically of locals reaching out to community more, looking to make rooms available, space available.”
Staff rental squeeze to remain
The issue of less housing for staff working in tourism and hospitality is likely to continue for at least another year, according to Ms Bennett and others in the industry.
“There are less rooms available because so many of them have moved into Airbnb as well as the interstate investment we’ve seen of people coming either to live here or to have a holiday home which might stay vacant when they’re not here,” Ms Bennett said.
“The region has lost a significant amount of rental capacity.”
Douglas visitor capacity running lower than potential
The accommodation shortage is an ongoing concern for the industry, which has seen many businesses having to continue to run below visitor capacity.
“We estimate many are running at 80 per cent of their potential because of the lack of staff.
“What we don’t know is how the global uncertainty economically is going to play out or the interest rates will see demand suffering.
“There are a lot of unknowns going forward however I don’t see that in the next year that we’re going to see a major change in the current issue.”
There are some positives: for instance, a fair number of businesses have purchased properties so they can house their staff.
In the meantime – the call is out early, before the next tourism season, for others to consider Adopt A Worker, which Ms Bennett said is mutually beneficial: a chance for locals to earn money and meet new friends from different backgrounds.
“At the same time for people wanting to stay and participate in the economy, they’ve got somewhere to live so we certainly see the scheme as a win-win for all of the parties if it’s the right fit for them.”