Have YourSay on the new Destination Management Plan

MEDIA RELEASE 23 May 2019

In order to guide the future strategic direction of tourism in the Bathurst region and ensure a strong future for this important industry, Bathurst Regional Council will be preparing a new Destination Management Plan (DMP) in 2019.

Mayor Graeme Hanger OAM said it was important for the community and industry to have their say on the priorities for the new plan.

“Tourism is a strong and growing industry in our region, with more than 895,000 visitors bringing over $213 million in to the local Bathurst economy in the past year.”

“Actioning the previous plan has allowed the development of key assets that support the promotion of our region in the complex and competitive environment of the contemporary digital age of tourism marketing and destination management”.

The consultation period will run from May 22 to June 10 and will include a series of public consultation forums and industry stakeholder workshops. There is also the opportunity to complete an online survey or speak directly with a member of the project team.

“The new plan will guide the continuing growth of tourism in our region over the next five years,” Mayor Hanger said.

“Both a new State-wide and regional Destination Network plan have also been completed in the last 12 months, making this a timely exercise for Council to ensure that we also align with the priorities of these plans and the industry trends that they have identified”.

The previous Bathurst Region DMP was completed in January 2015 and adopted by Council in June 2015. The DMP set out recommendations and an activities program to guide tourism over a five-year period. A review of the recommended actions in late 2018 showed that all six priorities have been achieved with over 80% of all sub-actions either complete or in progress.

The new plan will be drafted following the consultation period and will be placed on public exhibition in later this year. You can have your say at the forum or online at the Bathurst YourSay website. For more information phone 1300 103 446 or email tourism@bathurst.nsw.gov.au

Public consultation forum dates

Thursday 30 May 2019 6.00pm - 8.00pm
Bathurst Memorial Entertainment Centre

Friday 31 May 2019 9.00am - 11.00am
Bathurst RSL Club, Courtyard Room

Saturday 1 June 2019 10.00am - 12.00pm
Bathurst Memorial Entertainment Centre

ENDS
Media contact: Media Officer