Garry Sulivan says it's time to roll out the welcome mat as the shire prepares for a reboot of Eurobodalla's Tourism Industry Forum on Monday 10 November.
Mr Sullivan, who operates the Beachcomber Holiday Park at Potato Point, chairs the shire's Visitor Economy Advisory Committee hosting the event. He says a bit of buzz is already growing around the forum.
"It will be a mix of knowledge sharing and networking for tourism operators spread from Batemans Bay to Tilba," says Mr Sullivan.
Headline talks include Destination NSW chief executive Karen Jones introducing the state's bold new Visitor Economy Strategy 2035, hot-off-the-press global trends from Tourism Australia's Dominic Mehling, and advice from VisitCanberra's Jonathan Kobus for those wanting to cash in on this feeder market as the nation's capital flexes its international gateway aspirations.
It's not all top-down talk. Local operators will share experiences and innovations, before swapping the lectern for a glass in hand as they network with good company and good food, finishing with a special wrap-up story.
"I'm looking forward to that. I've been in the region for six years and know around 20 to 30 other operators when there's between 200 and 300 of them. Here's a rare chance to meet more," Mr Sullivan says.
"It's also a chance for people to meet the VEAC members. This is our launch event and a good place for operators to raise issues or pass on their ideas through our independent voice to Council.
"Personally, there's no way I'd ever have walked in to Council with a marketing idea or to say how unhappy I was with how they were showcasing the region. Now people can do that through us."
Eurobodalla Council's visitor economy manager Andrew Sargant says an Artificial Intelligence workshop in the afternoon will help those wanting to cut through hype and get ahead of the curve.
"AI is already changing tourism – from storytelling to booking systems to product development. Plenty of people have plenty to say about AI but not always a lot of experience. That's why we've used it as the theme for this first industry forum," Mr Sargant says.
The Eurobodalla Tourism Industry Forum will be held at the Bay Pavilions, Batemans Bay on Monday 10 November. The AI workshop runs from 3 to4.30pm followed by the forum and networking from 5 to 7.30pm. Registrations essential.
