Rhonda Bracey: At Random

Talk about price gouging!

I know that tourism providers are hurting badly and reeling from the impact of COVID-19, and that our state’s borders are still closed, which means we can holiday in our own state but not elsewhere in Australia or overseas. And those from other states and overseas can’t come here yet. Our state’s tourist people are actively encouraging us to explore and holiday in our big state.

But why would you when you encounter exorbitant price gouging like this?

Back in Feb, I found an ideal Airbnb place about 2 hours north of Perth that looked perfect for the annual quilting retreat with my friends. At the time the price for booking the whole house for 4 people for 4 days in July or Aug was $200/night + $200 cleaning fee and $155 service fee (whatever that is), so a total of $1155 (~$288 each). Fast forward to today when I looked again at the same place, also 4 people, 4 days, late Jul or mid Aug (and any other date I put in outside school and pubic hols for the next 9 months) — the price has now jumped to $724/night + $200 cleaning fee + $480.79 service fee, for a total of $3575.80 (~$894 each) — more than a 300% increase!

That’s a BIG NOPE from me.