"We love the Moree Plains and we're staying home these holidays and we urge you to do the same". That's the message the Tourism Moree board and staff, along with mayor Katrina Humphries, are hoping to send far and wide, urging everyone to postpone their trips and stay home and stay safe.

Tourism Moree CEO Tammy Elbourne said the Easter holidays is traditionally a time when many people from down south begin to migrate north for the warmer climate each year.

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"However, 2020 is not the year to make this journey or any journey and we are asking you not just for your safety but for the health and safety of everyone, please stay home!" she said.

"For those who think it's going to be okay to jump in the car or take the caravan to visit friends and relatives in regional areas at their homes, please think again. Doing this poses huge risks and threats to those communities whose medical systems and emergency services cannot cater for an influx of visitors in these areas."

Mrs Elbourne said the team at Tourism Moree are still fielding calls from people wanting to come to the shire and she is concerned the message to stay at home is not getting through.

The message also applies to locals who were considering going to visit relatives for Easter.

"People need to take time these holidays to reconnect with their immediate family or household," Mrs Elbourne said.

"Continue to check on your loved ones and neighbours by calling, Facetiming or texting.

"Just do the right thing for everyone and please follow the rules and embrace our message."

Mrs Elbourne said when this is all over, many people are going to want to get out and travel. When that time comes, Moree Plains will be ready to welcome visitors.

"When we get through this challenging time, and we will, we are all going to need and want many things," she said.

"One of them will be fresh air, wide open plains and wonderful Australian experiences.

"We all know that when we come out the other side of this, the international travel market is going to struggle; people aren't going to want to get on a plane or a boat anytime soon.

"Domestic tourism is likely to boom and hopefully Moree is on people's lists to visit.

"We have wonderful experiences and products that will help to rejuvenate your souls, dust off this crisis and also educate and promote how important it is now, more than ever to support and buy Australian.

"Supporting and visiting our rural areas after the virus and the restrictions have gone will never be more important. We must not forget that these rural communities are still suffering from the worst drought in history, while also dealing with COVID-19 and the economic and health crisis that everyone is currently facing."

Until people can travel again, Mrs Elbourne encourages people to use this downtime to discover the Moree Plains 'virtually', through its social media and digital platforms.

"Start investigating your next trip post COVID-19, once the risks have gone," she said.

"Until then, explore, relax and experience all that the Moree Plains has to offer in the comfort of your own home by visiting our website www.moretourism.com.au or contact the friendly team at Tourism Moree on (02) 6757 3350."

The Tourism Moree team also encourages locals to support local businesses to get them through this time so that they can be ready to welcome visitors again.

"We're here to assist and help in any way we can," Mrs Elbourne said.

Tourism Moree has put together a list of changes to businesses or organisations for locals, which is being updated on a daily basis.

This document is now 22 pages long and can be accessed through the Tourism Moree Inc Facebook page. Contact the team at Tourism Moree if you would like to include information on your business, organisation or operation.