The Bega Valley tourism industry is invited to participate in workshops regarding future Bega Valley Tourism Industry services.

Purpose of the workshops
Tourism services across the Shire typically encompass the production and distribution of information, the operation of Visitor Information Centres (VICs), product development and packaging, marketing and promotion, and industry development and support. In the Bega Valley Shire, Council contracts Sapphire Coast Tourism Ltd to provide a number of these services, and undertake marketing and promotion. The Shire has four accredited VICs which are operated by local organisations. Council, through Sapphire Coast Tourism, provides some grant funding to the VICs to help offset operating costs and also provides support through rent assistance. Development of marketing information is undertaken by Sapphire Coast Tourism, each of the VICs and their parent organisation.

The size of the Shire, the pattern of settlement, varying levels of destination and operator maturity, and the limited availability of funds and resources, creates a range of challenges for delivering tourism services. Rapid changes in technology is also impacting significantly on how visitors research destinations and products, access information and ‘purchase’ accommodation and other services. Changing technology and a variety of other factors need to be taken into consideration in determining the most effective structure for the delivery and funding of tourism services.

Council’s current contract with Sapphire Coast Tourism expires in June 2017. Prior to the preparation of a new Tourism Services Contract, a review of the Bega Valley tourism industry has been approved to ensure that contract parameters reflect the changing needs and expectations of both the industry and the local and visiting markets.

Consultancy, Jenny Rand & Associates, tourism sector specialists have been selected to conduct a five stage review, compromising research and consultation into the following areas:

· Review of the current structure and funding of tourism

· Consultation with tourism service providers and Council

· Consultation with tourism industry and other key stakeholders

· Industry trends

· Review and assessment of structure and funding models for the delivery of tourism services

A report will then be delivered to Council in early 2016 , which will assist in guiding the preparation of a new Tourism Services Contract in 2017.

Workshop Details

Bermagui - 11am Monday November 23 - Bermagui Country Club
Tathra/Bega - 6pm Monday November 23 - BVSC Administration Building
Eden - 11am Tuesday November 24 - Eden Fishermen's Club
Merimbula - 6pm Tuesday November 24 - Merimbula RSL

Enquiries and RSVP to RBogie@begavalley.nsw.gov.au