'Not just our land that's been burnt, it's our economy too'

Marianne Langiano's clothing store in Lakes Entrance would usually clear around $1000 a day during peak season. Today, she says she'll be lucky if she makes $24. 

"It feels like someone has kicked you in the stomach," the trader, who has run Manni's Clothing and Handbags for more than 20 years, told 9News. 

"To be honest I don't think our shop will survive this at all."

The tourist town is back open for business following the fire threat in the area. 

But the businesses are struggling and traders fear visitors won't return in the coming weeks. 

"The (financial) numbers are astronomically down," Lakes Entrance Caltex owner Frank Milito said. 

"It's not just our land that's been burnt, it's our economy too." 

Traders in tourist towns across East Gippsland rely on this time to get through the quieter months. 

It's estimated they can make more than 60 percent of their annual income from the 20th of December until Easter.

The lack of tourist trade has left business owners like Joc McGinty counting the cost. 

He estimates his cafe will lose more than $100,000 over the next few months. 

"Tax relief would be the best thing. If you could say every business, every taxpayer in the shire that's been affected, give a $20,000 tax credit, that money will flow back into town," he told Nine News. 

Both the Victorian and Commonwealth Governments have pledged to help assist Australians recover following the bushfire crisis. 

Premier Daniel Andrews announced the permanent Bushfire Recovery Victoria, a dedicated agency that will work directly with local towns.