Scores of events continue to be scaled back or shelved completely due to erratic weather conditions, soaked soil and road closures.  

Businesses are also suffering with the Newell Highway – one of the main arterial roads leading into the region – still closed to the public. 

The unease has sparked calls for Destination NSW to create an accelerated tourist promotion plan in the Riverina to alleviate the growing economic pains. 

Tumut’s Riverglade Caravan Park was under an evacuation warning for almost a week, with owners voluntarily moving caravans while the wild, wet weather swept through. 

The park’s manager Gemma Pearce said her business had experienced a significant slump in its booking numbers since the flooding first began more than one month ago. 

She said she is hoping to recoup lost income during the summer months, where a high dam level could attract more tourists. 

“The October long weekend has usually been a very busy time for us, but not this year,” she said.

“We do expect this summer is going to be a bumper season for the dam and fishing because of the dam height.”

It follows reports a number of truckies have been stranded and inconvenienced by lengthy delays due to a network of road closures. 

Destination NSW chief executive officer Sandra Chipchase said despite the recent floods in the Riverina, “it is imperative we send the message that the Riverina is still open for business.” 

“(We) will continue to support local tourism businesses in this region,” she said.

“We’re encouraging visitors to plan a trip to the Riverina to experience the region’s exciting festivals and special events, fantastic food and wine offerings and stunning scenery.” 

Gundagai’s Battle of the Bidgee and the Holbrook Campdraft were among the recent events called off due to poor conditions.

Meanwhile, the Murrumbidgee River height at Wagga sits steady at 4.42 metres as of Monday morning. It is hoped a warm weekend ahead could spell the end of the season’s serious flooding.