Tourist operators in the Southern Highlands believe the just-ended holiday season was one of moderate success, despite two weeks of bushfires impacting on visitor numbers.

A cross-section of accommodation facilities in the Highlands showed figures slightly down on last year, and according to most polled, the Up Up and Only 30 Minutes Away promotion, instigated by Bowral Chamber of Commerce, had little if any impact on attracting people to the area.

Paul Ford from Bowral’s boutique hotel, The Manning said he was very happy with numbers.

“There were more tourists this year than last,” he said.

Mr Ford felt that the bushfire crisis had little impact on The Manning.

Craigieburn Hotel Manager Wayne Morrisey was quite happy with figures, however Craigieburn has just re-opened 50 per cent of its rooms following a complete refit, and he is looking towards a big year from February on.

“I don’t think the fires really impacted on our business,” he said.

Mittagong Caravan Park’s Sue Funnel said that during Christmas everyone goes to the water.

She said the caravan park always had lots of regulars that stay there because it is only one hour away from the coast, Goulburn, and now Sydney.

She said her patrons like the atmosphere of the Highlands, together with the near access to other areas and attractions.

“We have a lot of people staying at the caravan park from Victoria and South Australia. If Tourism Southern Highlands is to increase awareness of the Southern Highlands, maybe it needs to put out a brochure aimed at the southern states with a theme of what can be experienced within one hour of the Southern Highlands”, said Ms Funnel said.

Mark Cameron from Hilands Trike Tours attributed a very quiet season to the bushfire situation.

“Many people cancelled their trips with us because of the smoke, and were not sure where the fires actually were,” said Mr Cameron said.

About half of Hiland Trike Tours business comes from locals and half from outside the Southern Highlands.