Queenstown is in a "crisis situation" as visitor numbers start to dwindle and businesses close

Infometrics data suggests the region will be worst hit by the pandemic this year, with its economy projected to lose 785-million dollars.

Mayor Jim Boult says operators don't know how they'll survive and are making plans to mothball their businesses.

He says if you put your mind forward to when tourism does start up again, boarded up shops won't offer much attraction.

Boult wants to see the wage subsidy reinstated for the tourism and hospitality sector in South Island towns.