Fancy a dinner date with lions, tigers, and bears? Oh my. With lockdowns causing massive cancellations, Canberra’s award-winning Jamala Wildlife Lodge is offering locals dinner-only packages and special discounted stays for a limited time in a bid to keep their staff employed.
Jamala’s General Manager, Amanda Mead said that that due to the Sydney shutdown and travel restrictions in other states, 70% of its bookings between now and the end of the month have been cancelled.
Ms Mead advised that cancellations have come from all over Australia.
“There certainly is a reluctance to travel, but all people who have cancelled are keen to rebook when matters settle down. We were virtually booked out until October, so this at least gives residents of Canberra and surrounding areas the opportunity to get any room type at short notice,” Ms Mead said.
“Our main concern is keeping our staff on, so we have introduced significant discounts for rooms for the rest of the month, plus, for the first time ever, we are allowing locals to book for just a dinner experience on selected nights.
“So many guests have regarded the dining experience at Jamala as one of the best that they have ever had and many locals who have stayed here have asked if they can come back just for dinner. For the next two weeks, they can!” she said.
In addition, the National Zoo and Aquarium suffered a 57% downturn in visitation during the school holidays.
The Executive Manager of the Zoo, Russell Jackson, advised that this reduction involved a near complete elimination of anyone travelling from more than an hour away.
With these measures introduced for Jamala, both Jamala and the Zoo are optimistic that despite the huge slowdown at both facilities that they can maintain all jobs in the short term and that if lockdowns and travel restrictions are prolonged, governments will assist their employees with income support.
