From the Newsroom

Local News

Janelle Hale is determined to continue the family travel business despite the catastrophic impact COVID-19 has had on the entire industry.

Travel industry decimated by COVID 19

Janelle and Alan Hale of Northland Coach and Travel are veteran travel industry owners.

Operating for 21 years, and overnight the industry came to a halt due to COVID-19.

They have re-funded over $350,000 dollars back to clients who had tours booked many months in advance. All tours, including a special trip to South Africa had to be cancelled. Even school excursions have been cancelled, as well as charters.

“We are taking this moment-by-moment and we are restricted by the number of people that can get off the coach.

“We are limited to groups of 20,” Janelle said.

Looking on the bright side the Hales said they are still in business and modifying their tours according to regulations.

Janelle said they always had a stringent and strict cleaning code, but this element has become even more crucial.

Keen to see Job-Keeper extended past the September cut-off, the Hales believe this to be a defining factor in keeping their industry alive. They would also like government to reduce costs associated with registration and green slips.

“While we are out of sight we are not out of mind.

“We have built wonderful relationships with our clients over many years and we care deeply about them,” Janelle said.

“We are still in business, we have managed to keep all our staff,” she said.

The Hales were heartbroken closing down their shopfront in The Link, just off Prince Street, in Grafton. Their office and frontage drew in many interested clients eager to participate in their tours.

“We need people to support us and believe in us.

“We will get through this time and come out the other side.” Janelle said.

The Hales hope they will continue to be well supported and look forward to many wonderful trips into the future. To speak with Janelle or Alan phone: 6643 1212.