With above average rainfall predicted for the coming summer, Northern Rivers tourism operators are being urged to “get creative” in finding rainy day options to recommend to our holiday visitors.
“The meteorologists are telling us to expect a wet and cool summer, with a return to the La Nina weather patterns but, quite frankly, that’s something we should be used to by now,” said Northern Rivers Tourism Chair, Cameron Arnold.
“For operators in the tourism industry who have been hit hard by past weather events, the challenge is to seek out and recommend entertainment and activity options that are not weather-dependent to ensure our annual visitors still have a great experience of the Northern Rivers.
“On a broader scale, we also need to foster the development of new products and events that will boost visitor numbers throughout the year, rather than simply relying on the summer holiday peak season that could be – and has been – adversely affected by bad weather.”
This message of ‘resilience’ will be one of the key themes at this year’s Northern Rivers Tourism Symposium which will be held at Southern Cross University in Lismore on October 17 and 18.
High profile guest speakers include Chair of the Australian Tourism Export Council (ATEC), John King, who will look at industry resilience in the face of natural disasters and economic shocks, followed by a panel discussion on successful resilience strategies adopted by tourism operators.
Also on the program is international expert, Crispin Raymond, who believes ‘creative tourism’ could provide the solution.
“‘Creative tourism’ refers to the idea of holidays that involve learning a skill that relates to the culture of the area you’re visiting,” said Mr Arnold.
“It is a growing trend now in Europe and Asia where people travel to Italy or Vietnam for cooking classes, Spain and France for art workshops and just about anywhere in the world on guided photography expeditions.
“With our established food tourism products and talented arts community, not to mention our stunning scenery, the Northern Rivers is perfectly positioned to step into this market and, as co-founder of Creative Tourism NZ, Crispin’s presentation will give operators plenty of ideas and inspiration.”
Full registration for the 2011 Northern Rivers Tourism Symposium on October 17 and 18 is priced at $350 per person ($300 for NRT members) which includes all sessions, workshops and the Monday night social networking event at the Eltham Hotel. For program details and online registration go to www.tourismsymposium.com.au or phone Symposium Organiser, Renae Denny, on 0412 642 688
