Council is excited to be joining Tourism North East to expand and deliver a new refreshed approach to promoting our Shire.
At its 24 June meeting, Council endorsed the Tourism North East Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). Tourism North East is a well-established Regional Tourism Board (RTB), well known for successful campaigns and activities that support major tourism segments, including cycle-tourism, food, wine and beer, snow, nature-based tourism and arts and cultural heritage.
Council's Tourism and Events Portfolio Councillor Jackie Ashe said this is a fantastic opportunity for Council to join a mature and recognised RTB, especially one that is so closely aligned with our particular tourism offering.
'Tourism is already an important industry for Murrindindi Shire's businesses and communities. It employs 586 people, which is nearly 14% of all jobs in Murrindindi Shire, and is worth $115M to our economy. Joining Tourism North East brings with it enormous opportunities for our region to experience economic growth, to create new jobs and to help enhance our region's economic resilience', said Cr Ashe.
'We expect this announcement to come as welcome news for many in the community, including our local businesses. We know COVID-19 restrictions are putting a strain on the tourism sector, but as restrictions ease, tourism will become more important than ever. While international borders aren't likely to open again for quite some time, there is an abundant opportunity with the Melbourne market right on our doorstep. We look forward to playing a strong role in supporting our tourism-based businesses to get involved in some exciting regional tourism campaigns.
'Tourism North East can help us with regional marketing, product development and with creating attractive and memorable tourism experiences for visitors. We want to take advantage of our position between Melbourne and the High Country, and increase awareness of our Shire as a tourism destination', added Cr Ashe.
To learn more about Tourism North East, visit the website.
