Calls for new approach to regional tourism in Australia
The Australian Regional Tourism Network is calling for a tri-government approach to the industry, saying it is vital for future success.
The Australian Regional Tourism Network says there needs to be a tri-government approach to the industry. (Photo: Clarissa Thorpe: ABC News)
Tumut based chairman, David Sheldon, has been in Canberra this week to talk with the federal government and opposition and Tourism Research Australia.
He says tourism policies and platforms need to developed in consultation with local, state and federal governments.
"It's no use everyone just going off in a fragmented way," Mr Sheldon said.
"I think it's crucial for the development of the industry over a longer period.
"If we are perfectly honest about it, it will bring the industry up and focus on the importance of the tourism industry and how it can not only improve the economic development of a region, it can also improve the social fabrics in different regions."
Meanwhile, Tourism Accommodation Australia says regional tourism is a major winner in this week's New South Wales budget.
Australia's peak accommodation body has welcomed the $40m to grow regional tourism as well as $110m for infrastructure investment.
Acting CEO, Carol Giuseppi, says some of that money should be prioritised to develop a new regional tourism model.
She says the group is eagerly awaiting the 'regional business events strategy' from Destination New South Wales.
"Funding for the new model would be used to stimulate investment in the mid week trough period for regional New South Wales," she said.
"A number of regions attract good business on the weekends but it's the decline in business travel and conferences that is really hurting in some of the regional areas."
Tourism Accommodation Australia is also calling for a new model for regional tourism in New South Wales.
Ms Giuseppi says the priority must be on funding certainty for regional tourism bodies, so they can attract more visitors and events.
"We're looking for a new model for regional tourism that gives consistency of funding to regional tourism bodies so that they can continue to stimulate demand for visitors to their region," she said.
Mr Sheldon says Tourism Research Australia will provide an update on the industry soon.
"There was a 'state of the industry' that came out in 2011 that had a comprehensive report on regional Australia and how the industry was travelling," he said.
"That has not been done since, so there's a lot of data that's missing and I'm pleased to say Tourism Research Australia is currently undertaking (that), cause they do see the importance of it."
Source: ABC News, June 26th 2015
