Accommodation providers desperate to reopen doors to guests

Mr Carr, who is also the president of the Portland Tourism Association, called on Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews to follow the lead of other states.

"We just want to be allowed to open up - especially in regional areas where people are really struggling," Mr Carr said.

"Victorians should be proud of themselves - most people are doing the right thing and our place is big enough to allow us to ensure social distancing rules are followed.

"We've got two sitting rooms where you can easily sit apart and a breakfast room that could seat about eight people comfortably with social distancing.

"We could also stagger breakfasts."

Mr Carr said his bed and breakfast had missed out on the busy Easter period.

"Easter is massive for tourism," he said.

Mr Carr said Portland accommodation providers were unable to offer the many fishermen in town a place to stay due to the coronavirus restrictions.

He urged Victorians to support businesses affected by coronavirus by planning a trip when the restrictions ease.

"I do believe people will be champing at the bit to get out and stay somewhere overnight," Mr Carr said.

"I'm hoping tourism businesses in our area and other areas will be very busy once the restrictions are lifted."

Member for South West Coast Roma Britnell said tourism operators needed to know when they would be allowed to reopen.

"No one wants to see all the work we have done to control the spread of the coronavirus undone, but businesses need an opportunity to be able to plan their restart," Ms Britnell said.

"Tourism, particularly in regional Victoria, has been hit hard by coronavirus, so the Liberal Nationals are calling for the establishment of a regional tourism fund to help support communities and businesses recover and get back on their feet."

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