RESORTS EVALUATE LONG-TERM IMPACT OF YASI
Resorts evaluate long-term impact of Yasi - Luxury Travel Magazine
Resorts evaluate long-term impact of Yasi |
| Date: February 11, 2011 |
| Katia Iervasi |
| Just over a week has passed since Cyclone Yasi ripped through Queensland. Volunteers and staff have spent the last week cleaning up debris caused by the 290km/hr winds, which has unearthed more serious structural damage to building including luxury resorts. Dunk Island Resort, once a peaceful tropical getaway, has been virtually destroyed by Yasi. Last week, the resort’s management said it was too early to assess the damage, but this week they have been able to give the public an update. Management has anticipated that the rebuild will take at least a few months and as such, have cancelled all bookings up until August 31, 2011. Dunk Island’s staff have been stood down for the time being, but the resort has facilitated their reemployment in the hospitality and tourism industries. Currently, the resort’s priority is getting rid of sand. The cyclone’s winds caused the resort’s pools, ocean view rooms, and kitchens to be filled with sand and dirt in a matter of minutes. The resort’s management announced yesterday that power, water, and mobile phone coverage has been restored to the majority of the island. Bedarra Island, which is also run by Hideaway Resorts, has not yet released information about their structural damage. For the most part, Bedarra has had its power, water, and mobile reception coverage restored. Due to the recent floods and of course, Cyclone Yasi, Queensland’s tourism industry is in the process of developing ‘resilience’ campaigns. The Commonwealth and Queensland Governments’ allocation of $10 million to the tourism recovery effort is a positive start. |