Tamworth COVID-19 pandemic: Residents turn to Tamworth hotels for 'staycation'

As Tamworth celebrates four months free of COVID-19 cases, more and more locals are making use of hotels in town to get away for a weekend, without going anywhere at all.

Best Western Sanctuary Inn Tamworth co-manager Evelyn Page said the 'staycation' has been trending for the past three or four weeks.

"Everyone's sick of staying at home ... but lots of local couples have been saying they want to stay in Tamworth and not travel," she told the Leader.

"We all feel pretty safe here."

The solution? A 'staycation'.

"We've had quite a few local couples coming in and staying on a Friday and Saturday night," she said.

A typical retreat might include a more "luxurious" room or suite - with a fireplace or a fancy bathroom - and dinner at the Riviera Bar and Grill downstairs.

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Some have requested champagne, or a room with a spa.

The leading health authority for the Tamworth area, Hunter New England Health, has urged people to stay put and not travel to places like Sydney, unless absolutely necessary.

NSW reported seven new cases of coronavirus in the latest testing period.

Ms Page said the new trend of going out at home has helped to boost numbers at the hotel over the past few weeks, as the pandemic lingers on.

Closed state borders have stopped travellers coming down the highway from Queensland, and reduced flights between Tamworth and Sydney have restricted corporate customers.

But, bookings are starting to get back to "normal-ish", according to Ms Page.

"We're also seeing more leisure travellers, more people who are retirees who want to travel around a bit and they feel like this area is quite safe," she said.

The 'staycation' is a holiday shift Studio 367 owner Michaela Stevens is happy to get on board with.

"There is a desire for a change of scenery - even if that's on the other side of town or an hour's drive away," she said.

"People living in Tamworth and staying in Tamworth can know we have no COVID here and it's a safe destination.

"And, if you look in your own backyard ... the whole community benefits at a time when industries are really struggling."

Ms Stevens hasn't welcomed too many locals into her business so far, but said business is bubbling along with travellers exploring regional NSW while they have the chance.

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