Central Coast Council has issued a Request for Proposals seeking organisations to deliver tourism marketing and industry services for the Central Coast.

Council’s Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds, said the timing was right for Council to examine its approach to tourism.

“Destination NSW’s new regional tourism model and the projected population growth expected on the Central Coast has changed the tourism landscape. Council is looking to find the most effective strategy to deliver better economic returns and jobs for our growing community,” Mr Reynolds said.

“Tourism is a significant industry on the Central Coast employing over 12,500 people and generating over $900 million a year for the regional economy.

“Around 4.6 million visitors are welcomed to the Central Coast each year and visitor growth trends tell us that the Central Coast also has the potential for far greater capacity, which we need to harness.

“Local tourism operators are reporting that they are having a busy summer holiday season now, and we want to see how we can continue to generate business throughout other periods in the year.”

Central Coast Council is committed to investment in tourism for the region.  In addition to looking to increase its direct funding for tourism marketing, Council contributes financially towards stimulating the visitor economy through events, sponsorship, care of the region’s natural attractions and major infrastructure projects.

Infrastructure projects like the Tuggerah Regional Sport and Recreation Complex contribute to strengthening the Central Coast’s position as a destination of choice for major sporting events.

“The economic benefits that will flow to our community from hosting large sporting events is huge in dollar value, creating local jobs and boosting tourism,” Mr Reynolds said.

Council’s current funding arrangements with Central Coast Tourism are due to expire on 30 June 2017.   Central Coast Tourism will continue to deliver activities through to June 2017, including working on the region’s next Destination Management Plan.

Request for Proposal is open until 7 March 2017 and information is available at www.tenders.nsw.gov.au