Tourism check-up a success

Over 100 delegates attended the annual Tourism Symposium last Friday, held at Elements of Byron Resort. Organised by Destination Byron, the Symposium sought to bring the industry together for a day of inspiration, learning, networking and planning.

Minister for Trade, Tourism and Major Events the Honourable Stuart Ayres MP opened the Symposium by thanking those present for their contributions. “New South Wales wouldn’t be the number one tourism destination in Australia if it wasn’t for you, so thank you” said Mr Ayres. He reminded delegates of the make-up of our tourism visitors, specifically that 34% are actually here visiting friends and relatives who already live in the region.

Mr Ayres also advised that there are fifty million people in China alone who didn’t travel last year but will travel next year and that he expects international tourism to grow at a faster pace than domestic tourism. “There is every reason to be optimistic about the future of tourism in regional New South Wales” he announced.

Mayor Simon Richardson, who hosted the event, thanked Destination Byron for their hard work and asked the industry to ensure “we keep the door open for visitors, whilst supporting and maintaining our wider community”. He also complimented the “collective push to grow the pie”, citing recent initiatives including the Byron Events Bureau. “We all rise together or we all struggle together” he said. In closing Mayor Richardson asked that the value of the backpacker as the heartbeat of our tourism be acknowledged as a sector that is crucial for our promotion across the globe.

For opportunities to get involved with Destination Byron contact Renae Weller on 0421 911911.