Yesterday nearly 70 Noosa tourism operators attended a positive half day Members Forum focusing on where we are now in tourism and where we want to be in three years, as part of developing Tourism Noosa’s Sustainable Tourism Action Plan for 2013 – 2016. Tourism consulting specialist Mark Olsen from EC3 Global, a national centre for studies in travel and tourism facilitated the day which presented a positive ‘tourism health check’ for the Noosa region.
Tourism Noosa General Manager Damien Massingham said that the thought provoking forum looked at market trends and performance, a competitor review of the region and customer feedback before members broke up into focus groups to discuss the tourism direction for Noosa. “With lively discussions, the key areas discussed included marketing, industry development and sustainability and looked at priorities in those areas” Mr Massingham stated. “The forum was about planning for our tourism future and inviting members of our 480 strong member organisation to have their say on the direction of tourism in Noosa and where Noosa should be positioned” enthused Mr Massingham.
In attendance at the forum were Councillor’s Russell Green and Tony Wellington, along with a diverse cross section of tourism operators representing accommodation, tours, markets, representatives from the hinterland and commerce groups. Councillor Tony Wellington said, “A great many excellent ideas surfaced during the workshop. What struck me was the general unanimity amongst the many participants. Everyone seemed to agree that the natural environment was a crucial element in Noosa’s appeal. There was also understanding that our natural assets are the direct product of a long history of community engagement in conservation issues. The challenge for the future is to embrace practical aspects of sustainability. I believe tourism professionals can become exemplars of what the broader community aspires to with regards to sustainability. Tourism Noosa’s large and highly engaged membership can really make a difference to the area’s economic and environmental future.”
Councillor Russell Green went on to say “The tourism industry is the major economic driver to the northern region of the Sunshine Coast contributing $825 million to the local economy per year. I congratulate Tourism Noosa on taking this proactive approach of listening to members in setting the course for the future”.
The Tourism Noosa Board will soon meet to discuss the outcomes from today’s Forum along with other members feedback, which will then lead to the development of Tourism Noosa’s Strategic Action Plan for 2013-2016.
