Want to have your say on the future of tourism accommodation in Wollongong?
Wollongong Council's Draft Tourism Accommodation Review Strategy is now on public exhibition proposing a range of potential measures to incentivise tourism accommodation development, including the potential establishment of two new five-star or equivalent hotels in the city centre within the next 10 years.
Proposed measures include adjusting land use planning protocols to permit and encourage development of a broad range of accommodation options to allow more people to come and experience everything Wollongong has to offer.
It's part of a broad draft strategy aimed at increasing the number of accommodation beds available in Wollongong, while also encouraging the retention and expansion of existing accommodation facilities.
The draft strategy is informed by a Tourist Accommodation Roundtable that was convened by Council in May, with Lord Mayor of Wollongong Councillor Tania Brown saying support for the tourism and night-time economy sector is a top priority for Council.
"We know this sector plays an important role in new job creation and economic growth," Cr Brown said.
"From the escarpment to our beautiful beaches, lakes and foreshore areas, to our vibrant restaurant and bar culture, we're well aware of all Wollongong offers as a tourist destination.
"The UCI World Championships showcased our city to the world in 2022, and just last week Wollongong was on show in Torremelinos, Spain as the next host city for the World Triathlon Championships in October 2025.
"However, we have heard from the tourism and development sector about the challenges facing hotel and tourist accommodation providers and barriers to hotel development.
"Financing construction, current interest rates and return-on-investment concerns are not unique to Wollongong, but we're keen to hear as much feedback as possible on ways we can continue to drive investment in our tourism and accommodation sector."
Having been "buoyed" by the initial interest in the draft strategy since it first went on exhibition, Cr Brown encouraged anyone with an interest to share their views before the exhibition period closes on 4 November.
"Our initial conversations since putting our draft strategy on exhibition have been really positive and we hope that, once finalised, the Tourism Accommodation Review Strategy will better guide the growth and evolution of hotels and other accommodation in our city." Cr Brown said.
The push to develop accommodation options in Wollongong aligns with Council's desire to continue to foster a vibrant night-time and events economy, something Wollongong City Council General Manager Greg Doyle raised in discussions with NSW Minister for the for the Arts, Music, Night-time Economy, Jobs and Tourism, the Hon. John Graham on Tuesday (22 October).
"At State Parliament yesterday I discussed with Mr Graham our deliberate focus on the evolution and diversification of major events, including attracting business, live music and creative events to Wollongong to stimulate our tourism and night-time economy," Mr Doyle said.
"Just this past week we saw over 15,000 people attend our Culture Mix Festival, and we're committed to ensuring Wollongong remains an attractive destination by upgrading our streets, parks and foreshore areas, and pursuing a strong program of major creative, business and sporting events."
Submissions to the draft Tourism Accommodation Review Strategy close on 4 November 2024.
