NZ Herald Thursday 30 March 2017 It’s one of Australia’s most popular tourist destinations. Exclusive resorts leading to golden beaches fringed by swaying palms.
But the devastation wrought on Hamilton Island by Cyclone Debbie has been so total, the area “looks like it’s been napalmed,” one resident has said.
Businesses have told news.com.au they’re worried that Debbie, which has caused more damage than previous cyclones, could have a lasting impact on the region’s economy.
ONe business owner on the mainland has already given up, declaring he will sell after Debbie tore his motel apart.
One in three people in the Whitsundays is employed in the tourism industry, and visitors pump more than $600 million a year into the economy. Read more…
