Tourism operators have shown renewed confidence in the market after a recent meeting.
Billabong Koala Park was the setting for the latest Greater Port Macquarie Tourism Association’s Member Night where over 40 members gathered to listen to Port Macquarie Hastings Council’s Administrator Neil Porter and the new General Manager Tony Haywood.
The night left many tourism operators feeling optimistic in regards to the future for the region as they were updated with various announcements and information.
Neil Porter outlined the next stage of the planned Airport expansion which will open up the area to a whole new market with the possibility of direct flights from Melbourne.
Members were introduced to Tony Haywood who talked about his role and who also announced a partnership between The Glasshouse and The Sydney Opera House.
Whilst details are still being ironed out, the partnership could see local students given the opportunity to meet with artists via video conferencing, access for the Glasshouse to shows currently only available to metro areas, and most importantly for tourism the opportunity to promote the region to all patrons of the Opera House.
Mark Stone from Billabong was hoping to use the night to make an extremely exciting announcement in regards to a new exhibit for the Park but was unfortunately unable to do so due to some last minute red tape.
However, with Mark stating the imminent announcement was the biggest and most exciting project he had worked on and it was a culmination of 5 years of work behind the scenes, it was hard not to be highly enthused for what is sure to be a drawcard to the region.
David Capper, President of the Greater Port Macquarie Tourism Association said, “Despite what is a difficult time for businesses including those within the tourism sector, tonight shows there are many positive signs for our region.
“We saw almost immediate growth with the first stage of the airport upgrade allowing for Virgin to fly in from Sydney,” he said.
“To have the opportunity to expand the Port Macquarie link is very exciting.
“Having the ability to fly people into a region however is only where it starts.
“That is why at a local level it is so exciting that operators like Billabong are pulling off major coups such as funding for a new crocodile exhibit as well as their other upcoming major announcement.
“Tours and Attractions play an important part in tourism and this is being recognised by the Marketing team at council who will be supporting the independent 52+ Things 2 Do campaign in an upcoming marketing activity.”
