Gympie Region Tourism Advisory Committee meets
THE Destination Gympie Region Tourism Advisory Committee that will help the destination services branch of Gympie Regional Council drive tourism and marketing in the Gympie region has met for the first time on Monday.
Matters discussed included the importance of events to the region, the draft strategic plan and the need to forge strong relationships with Sunshine Coast Destination Limited, the Regional Tourism Organisation.
The seven public members of the tourism advisory committee representing the region are:
- Peter Todd (Tin Can Bay)
- Gaylene Smith (Mary Valley)
- Charmain Hodges (Kilkivan)
- Scott Elms (Rainbow Beach)
- Derek Connelly (Gympie City)
- James Arkle (Mary Valley)
- James Dein (Gympie Muster)
“The advisory committee will make recommendations to support the new strategic plan to create greater visitor dollars to the region,” Gympie Regional Council Mayor Ron Dyne said.
Mayor Dyne said feedback on the new organisation had been positive.
“The signs point to the region showing improvement,” he said.
“We want the new tourism services branch to be able to take advantage of that buoyant feeling and ensure that the Gympie region is prominent among the watch lists for consumers looking for a holiday or future event.”
Gympie Regional Council Tourism and Mary Valley Portfolio Councillor Julie Walker said, “Destination Gympie Region has assured local operators that important tourism strategies and functions will materialise as the organisation develops. “
She said the local tourism industry faced an exciting future under the new organisational body which was launched on June 17, and that it was important for industry to engage.
The organisation has put in place two marketing activities for the coming financial year including the Destination Gympie Region Holiday Planner and a new website www.visitgympieregion.com.au.
“We have also been collaborating with Sunshine Coast Regional Council regarding future marketing opportunities. This is a game-changing moment for the region,” Cr Walker stated.
The Destination Services Branch of Gympie Regional Council, Destination Gympie Region’s strategic focus is to contribute to the health and vitality of the region by promoting greater levels of visitation and – as a result – generating positive direct and indirect economic and social outcomes for the community.
Discover, play, taste and stay – today it’s about inviting people to come and experience the Gympie region and all it has to offer.
IMAGE: Members of the new Tourism Advisory Committee (left to right) back row – Gaylene Smith, James Arkle, Derek Connelly – front row (left to right) – Peter Todd met with Cr Julie Walker from Gympie Regional Council, Gail McKenzie from Destination Gympie Region and Pip Close from Pip Close Marketing Services
