The NSW Government’s plan to boost tourism in Hawkesbury reached an important milestone, with the first workshop of the Hawkesbury Visitor Economy Advisory Committee.
The Committee, established by Member for Hawkesbury Dominic Perrottet earlier this year, incorporates Hawkesbury tourism businesses and stakeholders along with Destination NSW.
Mr Perrottet said the first workshop was a productive step towards developing a local visitor economy implementation plan that can be considered for funding as part of a $3 million NSW Government boost in funding to support Hawkesbury tourism.
“Before the 2015 election I committed $3 million to better promote Hawkesbury, and today’s workshop is just one of the ways we are delivering on that commitment,” Mr Perrottet said.
“The new Hawkesbury Visitor Economy Advisory Committee will play a vital role in making sure our investment makes a real difference to the Hawkesbury businesses and families who depend on tourism for their livelihood,” he said.
The Committee’s first workshop considered detailed local visitation and visitor profile data for the region, reviewed results from a local industry and stakeholder survey and workshopped ideas, plans and activities that will grow the visitor economy in Hawkesbury.
Minister for Trade, Tourism and Major Events, Stuart Ayres MP, who also attended the workshop, said the forum would give Destination NSW and local stakeholders a chance to work side by side to establish a robust plan to make Hawkesbury tourism even better.
“The Hawkesbury region has so much to offer visitors, and Destination NSW has a wealth of expertise and resources that can help to boost the local visitor economy,” Mr Ayres said.
“Importantly, the work of this Committee will also tap into the experience and knowledge of local tourism businesses and stakeholders to make sure our plan for the future of Hawkesbury tourism is brighter than ever.”
Committee member and General Manager of The Sebel Resort and Spa Hawkesbury David Ross said, “It is exciting to be a part of this dynamic working group with experienced Hawkesbury tourism stakeholders and Destination NSW, and our first workshop has already been hugely productive.”
“I look forward to working with the group to set and achieve goals that will contribute to a thriving tourism industry in our region,” Mr Ross said.
The Committee will now work to develop a Destination Management Plan before meeting again in early 2017.