Single plan for tourism

SOUTHERN Downs Regional Council released the Tourism Transition Reference Group (TTG) report at a special meeting held on Monday.
The release ensured that tourism operators and the broader tourism industry had access to the findings and recommendations.
On 25 February during a confidential session at a general meeting, council adopted recommendations from the local TTG to establish a single entity that will deliver and oversee tourism and events across the Southern Downs.
The new entity will be known as Destination Southern Downs.
Currently the Southern Downs has two Local Tourism Organisations (LTOs) – Warwick Tourism and Events which is fully funded by council and Granite Belt Wine and Tourism which operates on funding from council and additional income generated through membership fees from Granite Belt based tourism and wine operations.
Council has since entered into preliminary discussions with both organisations about the creation of this single entity.
Mayor Peter Blundell said by releasing the TTG report, council was highlighting the important role tourism played in the local economy and outlining the direction of the industry into the future.
“To ensure we have momentum towards building a cohesive and sustainable single entity tourism body, called Destination Southern Downs, I will now lead a working group, to be made up of the CEO and senior council officers, the chairs and executive officers of Warwick Tourism and Events and Granite Belt Wine and Tourism Association to progress the establishment of a single entity by 1 July 2015,“ he said.
As well as setting up the structure of the new entity, the working group will seek to keep all tourism operators up to date with the establishment of the single entity.
“The working group will also start an expression of interest process to establish an inaugural chair and board for the new organisation,” the mayor said.
“It is envisaged that the new board will be skills-based, as well as representing the tourism industry of the region.
“It must be emphasised that the creation of this entity will in no way impede the delivery of established major events on Southern Downs. Events like Jumpers and Jazz in July and the Apple and Grape Festival are iconic events of our region and these will only be strengthened and enhanced by the new tourism organisation arrangements in the future.
“I greatly look forward to leading the working group, knowing that we will be increasing the benefits that tourism brings to our region.
“I’m pleased that council has released the TTG Report so that tourism operators and interested community members can read for themselves the findings and recommendations.
“The report contains statistics and data of interest to our region and also spells out the level of resources that council is placing into tourism and events.
“Our communities can be assured there will be no major changes for the employees at Warwick Tourism and Events and Granite Belt Wine and Tourism for a period of 12 months post the establishment of the new entity,” he said.
Cr Blundell said the tourism working group would conduct the initial work of implementing the TTG report recommendations and meeting with key stakeholders.