Last week I hosted a Summertime 2020/21 Tourism & COVID-19 Safety Roundtable to discuss tourism opportunities to boost our local economy and operating in a COVID safe way. 

I was joined virtually by representatives from the Central Coast Local Health District, Destination Sydney Surrounds, Business NSW, NSW Police – Brisbane Water and Tuggerah Lakes Local Area Command, Clubs NSW State Councillor Central Coast and Central Coast Council staff. 

Discussed were ways we can collectively support local businesses during the holiday period, manage crowds, pop up COVID testing clinics, beach patrols and promoting our region.

With state borders currently closed it is anticipated there will be an influx of visitors coming to the coast and we want to ensure we are providing visitors opportunities and prepared in the current climate of COVID-19.

There are currently 2,191 Central Coast businesses that are COVID-safe registered.

Data from the Australian Hotels Association indicates for the Central Coast all weekend accommodation in the lead up to Christmas, as well as all accommodation over the Christmas period, is currently very near capacity.

We welcome visitors to our region however be sure to share the love across the whole coast rather than the popular tourist locations. Council will be running various tourism campaigns showcasing the leisure areas our coast has to offer such as walking and cycling trails, parklands and our beautiful waterways.