Workshops to target Shire tourism and events

Balonne Shire Council wants community help to grow tourism and events in the Shire and take advantage of the state’s booming tourism industry. Recent figures released by Tourism Research Australia showed tourism employed about 220,000 people and generated more than $25 billion for Queensland.

Council is inviting stakeholders, business owners and tourism operators to get involved and attend one of the free upcoming workshops at the St George Cultural Centre on Monday 9 September from 5pm to 7pm and at the Dirranbandi Civic Centre on Tuesday 10 September from 5pm to 7pm.

Mayor Richard Marsh said Council, in partnership with Krista Hauritz Events + Marketing, was developing a new Tourism and Event Strategy and Action Plan which was critical to strengthen demand and grow the Shire’s visitor economy.

“If you have anything to do with tourism or an event in our Shire we want to hear from you,” he said.

“These workshops will help us gain insights into the latest tourism and event consumer trends and discuss tourism and event experience opportunities which will stimulate our local economy and employment through increased visitor numbers and spending.

“Council received a Building Better Regions Grant to engage a consultant who will research, create and deliver a new Tourism and Events Strategy and Action Plan.”

Cr Marsh said Council’s current Tourism Strategy was set to expire next year.

“When the current strategy was adopted in May 2017 it was a regionally focused strategy that didn’t take into account the tourism industry in a broader context, particularly at a State level, or the role events play in attracting visitors to our region,” he said.

“In order to ensure the future economic sustainability of our communities Council has since identified Tourism and Events as one of the four key economic pillars.

“By growing the Shire’s tourism industry we hope to create a prosperous and resilient local economy.”

Cr Marsh said the new strategy would provide the Shire with a clear vision for a strong and sustainable tourism industry.

“This will provide us with ways to attract events and grow future tourism and economic opportunities, while also giving us clear direction for the support and development of tourism attractions and events which will provide an economic boost to our region.”