LETTER TO EDITOR: Cost of living takes toll, but I'll always support Port Douglas local businesses
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Dear Editor,
I'm writing to you about the Newsport article that talked about whether Port Douglas was generally pricing itself out of the domestic tourism market. I’m sorry to hear small businesses in Port Douglas potentially struggled during the recent school holidays.
Even though we’re all going through an unusually high inflation period, I find it unusual that every second person I speak to are either going to Europe or someone they know is, and the prices there are very high for food and beverage as well as accommodation.
Next choice is Bali...if you’re not into long haul (flights). Once a cheap holiday destination..surprise..not now!
I agree with you regarding airfares...they’re overpriced if you don’t book and pay well in advance. My two grandchildren recently came to stay...Cairns to Brisbane return..$800 each!
It was a last minute decision and just before the school holidays..but I must admit I was surprised and reluctant when I handed over that credit card to the travel agent..an overseas fare may have cost me the same price.
Welcome to the most expensive “cost of living time” in my lifetime!
I am a regular visitor to North Queensland as I have family who chose to move there 20 years ago and over the years I’ve contributed towards the economy of Port Douglas, I’ve seen you struggle through Covid so it does sadden me to hear that in your peak period it was relatively quiet.
Last time I was there I took my two grandchildren to breakfast at their favourite cafe..they had kids size meals and the usual coffee for me and I was shocked at the bill..hmmmm..Maccas next time!! Oh no that will cost a small fortune in petrol to drive to Cairns!!
I love to support the local businesses having been a small business operator myself, and I will be there this Christmas shelling out more dollars to help your economy, but sadly the way prices have increased I too will be be visiting less next year and I won’t be travelling overseas which hurts as I love to travel.
Common sense prevails when retirement is staring me in the face..unfortunate but the future is so unpredictable these days and I must admit I’m naturally concerned but not letting it rule my life..just being more practical when it comes to spending.
I sincerely hope the general public take more at home holidays and support Far North Queensland businesses and their families soon.
It is a beautiful place to visit with a uniqueness you can’t find anywhere else in Australia.
Regards, Suzie
Thank you!
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