Busy long weekend for Orange's hotels, motels

8 June 2018

Orange's accommodation venues are experiencing a busy June long weekend, with many booked out.

The hosting of the Under 14 Rugby Union titles this weekend in Orange is the latest in a series of sporting events which leads to a major boost to the local economy.

Orange City Council's Employment & Economic Development Committee chair, Cr Jeff Whitton says the 'No Vacancy' signs are a regular sight in Autumn in Orange.

"Orange is facing a long weekend where almost every accommodation option is booked out and that’s a sign of a very healthy business sector," CR Jeff Whitton said. "The council has given a priority to attracting major sporting events like this weekend’s Under 14s Rugby championships, and now they’ve been coming here for a number of years.

"Around 500 young players and officials are in town and many have come with their parents and supporters who go shopping and visit the local sights between games.

"A number of our cellar doors say the junior rugby weekends are some of their busiest weekends of the year.

"The reality is, it’s not uncommon for Orange’s accommodation to be booked out on many weekends through the year.

"The number of emails and phone inquiries taken by our Visitors Centre staff is up 50% on figure from May last year. They’ve had a few late cancellations, but we’re expecting these will be re-booked.

"Most people will book ahead and then explore new directions nearby if Orange is booked out. It’s one of the reasons why tourism takes a regional approach to dealing with factors like accommodation.

"Orange hotels and motels benefit when Bathurst stages the October race week. Molong and the nearby villages share the benefits when Orange is booked out.

"Council has also been active in supporting new accommodation offerings. Development consent for the Quest Apartments on the old CWD site and Council’s pursuit of a new caravan park are two examples of that approach."