Council welcomes the local tourism industry’s decision to continue with an industry body to input into the direction of the coast’s tourism, following an industry group meeting convened by Central Coast Tourism last night.

CEO Rob Noble said it was an exciting time for tourism on the Central Coast with more changes happening now than have happened in the last twenty years.

“The passion and commitment of the local tourism industry is great,” Mr Noble said.

“Combined with Council’s increased investment, a new Destination Network with a purpose to capitalise on increased visitor growth opportunity, a new Destination Management Plan and the advent of a new marketing approach to implement it – we are all hopeful that we can all head in the same direction to deliver more for our region.

“The local tourism industry told us over 18 months ago that they wanted improvements on how tourism is approached with a clear message to create the environment for tourism to flourish. That is what we are doing.”

Council will work with Central Coast Tourism on the type of industry body and how it fits together with Council’s new service provider who will be contracted to deliver a marketing strategy and associated program for the local tourism industry to promote economic development and enhance tourism opportunities on the Coast.

Council is continuing discussions with the first ranked tenderer to enter into a two year contract commencing on 1 July 2017.