NSW did not impose border restrictions on people entering the state before the lockdown began on Friday night, allowing many from across Victoria to make the trip to the border.
Echuca-Moama Accommodation Association co-president Paul Lavars said the snap lockdown exacerbated the issues already hurting the industry.
“There were a lot of people who made the trip and took out fresh bookings, but there were also a lot who jumped from one side of the bridge to the other,” he said.
“Bookings were solid going into the weekend, they usually are this time of the year, and we probably saw a slight increase on the Moama side as a result of the lockdown.
“But we've also seen some people who couldn't get up have to cancel, which is not ideal.
“We are trying to show the public that this still an excellent holiday destination, but another snap change possibly furthers the idea of the risks of coming here, which is terrible for the industry.”
Border Inn owner Adie Daly said the lockdown had led to some minor positives.
“We had a good weekend in terms of our numbers,” he said.
“A lot of people made the journey over in the hours before lockdown, and a few of the people we spoke to had taken the chance to spend a few days in Moama since they couldn't go back to work or to school.
“We've had a rough few months, so for businesses on this side it's a really good outcome.”
But Mr Daly said the damage to the Echuca side of the river was concerning.
“We've been wanting a level playing field this whole time, we want business in our whole community to be running and to be successful,” he said.
“So while we had a good weekend, I worry for people on the other side. How much stock or income they lost that they may not be able to recover.”
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