Council will continue to deliver tourism marketing and industry services for the Central Coast with the assistance of expert external providers.

Council recently called for requests for proposals for suitably qualified organisations to deliver these services, receiving fourteen proposals. Council will now negotiate with the first ranked tenderer with a view to entering into a two year contract for the delivery of a marketing strategy and associated services for the local tourism industry to promote economic development and enhance tourism opportunities on the Coast.

Council Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds, said that Council was firmly committed to investment in tourism due to the huge benefits it delivers for the region.

“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,” Mr Reynolds said.

“Council will increase our direct funding of tourism to $800,000 a year and will also continue to contribute financially towards stimulating the visitor economy through events, sponsorship, care of the region’s natural attractions and major infrastructure projects.

“Council is pleased with the response to the tender process which has seen high quality external agencies and organisations looking to be involved in tourism promotion for the Central Coast.

“We are confident we have found the right organisation with the most effective strategy to deliver better economic returns and jobs for our growing region.

“Together with the new external provider and Destination Network Sydney Surrounds North, Council will focus efforts on the strong regional positioning of the Central Coast and opportunity to capitalise on visitor growth.

Details of the new external provider and strategy to boost tourism on the Central Coast will be announced once the contract is finalised.

At tonight’s Council Meeting funding agreements with Greater Toukley Vision, Wyong Regional Chamber of Commerce and Gosford Business Improvement District to manage Town Centres were extended for a further year.

“We are interested in activating our town centres, making them vibrant living cities where people can live, work and play,” Mr Reynolds said.

“We will continue to work with our management partners to deliver best practice in our management of town centres.”

For more information visit: www.wyong.nsw.gov.au/discover-wyong-shire/tourism