AusLeisure

Port Macquarie, with its range of attractions including a nine kilometre coastal walk, eight beaches, scenic lookouts, and the Billabong Koala and Wildlife Park, is expected to attract more than 160 tourism professionals in 2021 following its securing of the Local Government NSW’s (LGNSW) annual Tourism and Economic Development Conference in March 2021.

LGNSW President Linda Scott said helping the regional tourism industry recover would be high on the agenda at next year’s conference.

Scott notes “Tourism is a vital industry in NSW, especially our regions, which are home to some of the world’s most stunning attractions.

“And Sydney continues to be an amazing drawcard for both domestic and international visitors, presenting tourism opportunities for metropolitan councils.

“In 2018-19 tourism directly contributed $17.5 billion to the NSW economy and directly employed around 183,000 people.

“These figures have obviously taken a big hit given the global impact of the Coronavirus pandemic. The hope is that by 2021 the worst will be over and the tourism sector can come back strong.

Scott adds “This year we’re also acknowledging the vital role councils play not just in tourism but also in economic development, encouraging and creating the conditions for appealing, vibrant and sustainable communities and strong local economies.

“Developing a strong and diverse visitor economy is just one aspect of that. Whether the local economy is based on tourism, hospitality, retail, education or other offerings, councils are actively involved in encouraging investment, place management and activation and supporting businesses of all sizes.”

Scott said LGNSW’s annual Tourism and Economic Development Conference was designed to equip councils to make the most of opportunities by providing a range of industry experts in one location.

“It’s also a great opportunity for councillors and council staff to develop helpful networks and share ideas.

“Councils play a significant role in the tourism industry: as tourism operators, destination marketers, visitor information service managers, community planners and place makers, as well as broader responsibilities such as the delivery of public infrastructure and services.”

Scott said the opportunity to host the annual conference was always keenly sought after, and Port Macquarie-Hastings Council had submitted a compelling winning bid.

“Port Macquarie is home to excellent local tourism businesses that provided an outstanding example of how to pivot in a crisis when the area’s operators adjusted their offerings to visitors following the impacts of bushfires and COVID-19.”

Port Macquarie-Hastings Mayor Peta Pinson said she was excited the seaside city would be hosting next year’s event and looked forward to showcasing everything the region had to offer.

Mayor Pinson added “Port Macquarie-Hastings has long charmed the leisure traveller and today a visitor will find a welcoming community, vibrant culture, buzzing arts and food scene, and stunning coastal and country beauty.

“Combine this with recent major capital investments, re-vamped hotels, foreshore and coastal walk upgrades, a new university campus and new airport terminal and you have an enviable offering that I’m sure will impress attendees and contribute to a successful conference in 2021.”

Image courtesy of Visit NSW

Related Articles

18th October 2019 - Preferred location revealed for planned new aquatic centre in Port Macquarie

22nd July 2019 - Council begins consultation on sites for a new Port Macquarie aquatic facility

22nd January 2019 - Port Macquarie-Hastings Swimming Pools Tender 

12th June 2018 - Otium Planning to investigate options for new Port Macquarie aquatic centre

15th July 2020 - South Australian nature-based tourism destinations to receive funding boost

12th July 2020 - Federal Government to provide $233 million backing for tourism in national parks

11th July 2020 - Victoria Tourism Industry Council welcomes business support package for ‘battered’ tourism industry 

22nd June 2020 - Tourism Australia launch new program to support domestic business events sector 

---

Support our industry news service
We hope that you value the news that we publish so while you're here can we ask for your support?

As an independent publisher, we need reader support for our industry news gathering so ask that - if you don't already do so - you back us by subscribing to the printed Australasian Leisure Management magazine and/or our online news.