Australia's National Local Government Newspaper Online

Regional Tourism Convention focuses on sustainable communities

The major national event for the regional tourism industry, the See Australia Regional Tourism Convention to be staged in Lorne from 8–10 September, will focus on sustainably prosperous regions. It will be of particular interest to Local Government managers and elected representatives involved in regional tourism. Convention sessions include sustainably prosperous regions, the transition to a service based community, the sea change phenomenon, waterfront development and rebranding regions.

There will also be a session on the Tourism Impact Model. This is a business tool that was distributed nationwide to all Councils in March this year. Based on spreadsheet software, it is used to assess tourism costs and benefits at the Local Government level.

Speakers with a particular Local Government perspective include:

• Professor Graham Sansom, Director, UTS Centre for Local Government
• Noel Harvey OAM, former Councillor, local industry and business leader
• Andrew McLorinan, CEO Keep Australia Beautiful Victoria and Councillor.
• John MacGregor, Economic Development Manager, Weddin Shire Council (NSW).
• Nelson English, Surf Coast Shire Councillor (Victoria).

The convention also includes a session with See Australia’s CEO, Graham Perry, and Federal Minister for Tourism, Joe Hockey, taking the stage for 90 minutes to thrash out the Tourism White Paper, in a session entitled, What’s in it for Regions?

Southern Cross University’s (SCU) Centre for Regional Tourism Research is overseeing the running of the See Australia Australian Regional Tourism Convention in Lorne, on the magnificent Great Ocean Road, just two hours drive from Melbourne airport.

For program and registration details visit the web site at www.regionaltourism.com.au and select Regional Tourism Convention or contact Donna McIntyre by email dmcintyr@scu.edu.au or phone (02) 66203503.

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