One local accommodation provider has even predicted a boom period for tourism operators as the borders remain firmly shut - at least for the foreseeable future.

Many Wharf Street, Forster retailers have enjoyed one of the best winter trading periods for many years.

"We've had a much busier winter than normal," one retailer said.

As many residents chose to self isolate they are spending more time in the kitchen leading to a need for more cooking and kitchenware.

And, as the temperatures begin to warm up, more visitors are taking advantage of the area's mild coastal temperatures.

Holidaymakers have been travelling for Sydney and the State's west, while day trippers have come from the Hunter Valley, Newcastle and Port Macquarie and within the Mid Coast region itself.

Jungle Surf, Tuncurry co-owner, Ross Lindsay described the current trading period as positive.

He said the weekend trading had extended into mid-week since the end of winter.

With the school holidays only weeks away, Ross said Jungle Surf was making preparations to cope with what could be a busier than normal September-October.

He said the biggest problem being faced by some specialist retailers was the turn-over of stock during the traditionally quieter cooler months.

Accommodation providers have face a balancing act, ensuring holiday makers enjoy their stay while at the same time ensuring everyone is adhering to coronavirus regulations and sites are COVID safe.

Tiona Holiday Park has undergone a number of changes to ensure the park is COVID safe during what is expected to be a very busy holiday period.

"We have copped some backlash from locals who claim we are putting profit ahead of the safety of the community, which is disappointing as it simply is not true," Tiona Holiday Park manager, Margaret Shannon said.

Occupancy numbers have been capped, the site has undergone a comprehensive COVID management plan including increased sanitisation, cleaning and social distancing, capping group sizes in line with government regulations, she said.

At the same time the accommodation site also has not undertaken any active marketing because management believed it would be irresponsible to encourage travel.

"In saying that, we can't control if people decide to travel, and if they don't stay with us they will stay somewhere else."

MidCoast Council Barrington Coast team reported many businesses described the July school holidays the busiest ever experienced across the entire region.

Visitor centres also are receiving a large volume of calls looking for summer accommodation, which is very unusual this early in the season, a spokesperson says.

"We are finding weekends are busy, with lots of visitors coming up from the Central Coast and Hunter Valley."

Forster Tuncurry Business Chamber president, Megan Lewis said the increased visitation due to the current travel restrictions had certainly been a win for the area.

Visitors to our area help to keep our local economy healthy, particularly as the government rolls back direct financial support and we see the end of other relief packages, Ms Lewis said.

But she warned cafes and restaurants, sporting groups, the community and tourism operators needed to remain vigilant ensuring hygiene and social distancing measures remained in place to guarantee business operators could remain open.

"We need to be proactive though and not only rely on people visiting; the chamber is continuing to work with government agencies such as Services NSW and business groups such as Business Australia to ensure all of our local business owners can access the right advice and support.

"Also we are working with council with the implementation of the newly launched ShopMidCoast EFTPOS gift card which is a simple and easy way to support local business owners."

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