Council’s First Tourism Network Evening on Tuesday April 16

Gympie Regional Council’s new tourism and destination services branch — Destination Gympie Region — has powered ahead since its inception earlier this year.

Mayor Ron Dyne praised staff and volunteers for their dedication and hard work, and welcomed well-regarded industry specialist and former Fraser Coast Tourism manager Pip Close, who has been engaged to develop Destination Gympie Region’s first strategic plan.

“Council recognises the economic benefit of tourism, visitation and building the region’s profile, which is why we transitioned tourism services to council,” Cr Dyne said.

“Our vision is to promote the region better and more broadly as the ideal place to visit, enjoy, live and invest, and it’s great to have someone of Pip’s experience helping to map out our plans.

“While, to some degree, it has been business as usual at Visitor Information Centres, staff have been very busy behind the scenes working on key resources like a new website, holiday guide and maps — and I commend them for the work they are doing.

“This coming Tuesday, we will be hosting our first networking evening for all those involved in tourism to come together, get to know each other and us, and embrace an all of industry approach.”

Cr Dyne said council was recently recognised as the region’s Local Tourism Organisation (LTO).

“Destination Gympie Region’s principal aim is to promote the whole region, with promotion encompassing our key assets and attributes, from the Mary Valley and western towns like Kilkivan to our star coastal areas and the many natural wonders in between,” he said.

”Council is working with former LTO, Gympie Cooloola Tourism, to ensure there is no unnecessary duplication in the roles of each entity.”

Council recently approved Terms of Reference for a Gympie Region Tourism Advisory Committee, which will be comprised of five industry representatives and will provide vital stakeholder input and direction to Destination Gympie Region.

Council will be calling for expressions of Interest for the advisory committee via local media and the branch’s new eNewsletter.

For more information, including networking evening details and to sign-up for Destination Gympie Region’s eNewsletter, phone Gail on 5480 5180 or email gail.mckenzie@gympie.qld.gov.au.