Central Coast Council welcomes today’s announcement by the NSW Government to base the new Tourism Destination Network office in Gosford.

Council Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds, 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.

“Combined with Council’s increased investment in tourism marketing and industry services, the recent appointment of new providers to deliver this, a new Destination Management Plan and the advent of a new marketing approach to implement it – we are working towards delivering more for the region,” Mr Reynolds said.

Destination New South Wales set up a new regional tourism network structure in 2016, creating six destination networks to focus on increased visitor growth opportunity.  The Central Coast is part of the Sydney Surrounds North region including Blue Mountains, Hunter, Hawkesbury, Penrith and Lake Macquarie.

Council Group Leader, Ms Julie Vaughan, said that the location of the new State tourism office on the Central Coast was a significant acknowledgement of the region’s tourism value and positioning as a visitor destination in New South Wales.

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

“The passion and commitment of the Coast’s tourism industry is great. There is a high level of enthusiasm about the new direction for tourism on the Central Coast”

“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.”

The new Destination Network – Sydney Surrounds North office will be at the Gosford Smart Hub.