Bathurst Mayor Cr Gary Rush said the new plan will ensure that “Destination Bathurst” has a strong profile into the future.

He said council has clear goals and objectives in regards to tourism development.

This process will support plans released by Central NSW Tourism and the Destination NSW Visitor Economy Taskforce reports to encourage an increase in the number of overnight stays among visitors to regional NSW. 

“We are very fortunate to have such a diverse tourism product and visitor experiences here in Bathurst that provide an opportunity to develop marketing plans tailored to specific potential visitor groups,” he said. 

“Bathurst is obviously famous for motor racing and the Mount Panorama circuit is an internationally recognised attraction.

“While we want to be able to capitalise on this experience, we want to be sure the word gets out that there is a lot more on offer than people may realise.” 

Cr Rush said the bicentenary of Bathurst in 2015 provides an excellent opportunity, through a diverse calendar of events, to showcase the rich history and heritage, food and wine experience, performing arts and culture and natural beauty of the area. 

“The plan will be developed in collaboration with tourism operators, community groups and businesses, to identify some top priorities for marketing and tourism funding opportunities and we welcome the chance to hear from these groups as we develop the plan in coming months,” he said. 

“Tourism is a key driver to economic development for the Bathurst region and the Destination Management Plan is in line with key strategic objectives this council is working on to promote and enhance the great opportunities we have to offer.”

Cr Jess Jennings said he has wanted to see something like this happen since before he was elected to council.

“It’s absolutely critical, vital in fact,” he said.

He said there was a need for council to engage with local tourism operators.

“Together we have an opportunity to shape and influence the way tourism is delivered,” Cr Jennings said. “We need to look at what is working well and what is not working so well. 

“I hope this leads to greater collaboration in the long term.”

Cr Jennings said marketing and branding can be more effective if it is done collectively. 

He believes it is also important to market the region in metropolitan areas like Sydney, Melbourne, Canberra and Brisbane. 

He said this is something places like Orange and Mudgee do well. 

Cr Jennings said Mt Panorama and our central location are two wonderful gifts that Mudgee and Orange don’t have. 

“We haven’t had to work too hard for a good result, but with this strategy we could get great results,” Cr Jennings said.

“We need better brand development and marketing of that brand.”

Cr Jennings said it is also critical to have have a better co-ordinated calendar of events to ensure events attract the optimum number of visitors to the region.

He said a lot of tourism operators are putting in a huge effort, but if they work together they will get an even better result.