Boost to Byron shire tourism

George Souris MP, Minister for Tourism and Major Events, enjoyed a lively lunch at The Byron at Byron Resort and Spa yesterday after his major tourism funding announcement in the morning at Eltham Valley Pantry.

Hugh Cavill, Thomas George MP, Lyn Parche, John Parche, Chrissy Caplice, George Souris MP, Byron Shire Mayor Simon Richardson and Don Page MP

Joining the Minister for lunch were Thomas George MP, Don Page MP, Byron Shire Mayor Simon Richardson and General Managers of The Byron at Byron Resort and Spa Lyn and John Parche.

The Minister had just announced record funding of $21.6 million over the next three years for the promotion of regional tourism via a new Government funding reform. Known as the Regional Visitor Economy Fund, this reform represents an increase of $6 million over three years on current funding.

“The annual funding is provided in two streams” outlined Mr Souris. “The first, $11.1m is for Regional Tourism Organisations and the second, $10.5m for product development and marketing promotions of the regions. This reform is part of the Government’s Visitor Economy Industry Action Plan based on recommendations by the Visitor Economy Taskforce and aims to boost regional economies through increased tourism”.
Renowned hotelier and General Manager of The Byron at Byron Resort and Spa Lyn Parche welcomed the announcement. “We have been working hard for nine years to promote the Byron shire as a destination of unparalleled natural beauty” said said.
“Tourism is about using certain drawcards to bring people to out the way places, to bring them closer to nature and to the spirit of what it is to be Australian. Here at The Byron at Byron we send our guests far and wide to experience the delights of the Northern Rivers. This announcement means great things for our wonderful diverse region”.