A new chapter for tourism in The Tweed. The Tweed Tourism Company team officially commenced under Tweed Shire Council on 1 October. Pictured: Melissa Fenton, Nicole Manderson, Clinton Farlow, Kellie Allen and Julia Cutler. Missing: Amy Colli.
Tweed Shire Council has officially commenced a new chapter in the delivery of tourism services, with The Tweed Tourism Company transitioning to a Council-led model from today.
The transition ensures the continued delivery of destination management, industry development, marketing, visitor servicing and events initiatives under Council's adopted Destination Management Plan and Events Strategy, while maintaining a strong focus on industry partnerships and sustainable destination management.
Tiffany Stodart, Manager Destination, Communication and Customer Experience, said the transition reflects Council's ongoing commitment to tourism as one of the region's most important economic sectors.
"Tourism is an important economic driver for The Tweed, supporting local businesses, creating jobs and helping shape the vibrant communities that make our region so special.
"Council remains committed to supporting our visitor economy and working alongside industry to build on The Tweed's reputation as one of Australia's leading regional destinations. The Tweed Tourism Company remains, our commitment to industry remains and our focus on collaboration remains."
"This transition is about ensuring continuity for operators while building on the strong foundation established by DR Tourism and contractors who came before them. Operators can be assured it is business as usual from 1 October."
Following a highly competitive recruitment process that attracted more than 300 applications from across Australia, Council has recruited a specialist tourism team with expertise in tourism, destination management, marketing and brand, industry, trade and product development, visitor servicing and events.
Meet the team leading tourism in The Tweed. Pictured: Melissa Fenton, Nicole Manderson, Clinton Farlow, Kellie Allen and Julia Cutler. Missing: Amy Colli.
Mr Farlow joins Council following senior tourism roles with leading destination organisations including Experience Gold Coast and Tourism and Events Queensland, bringing extensive experience in destination development, industry partnerships and the visitor economy.
Mr Farlow said partnerships and sustainable growth would remain at the heart of the destination's future success.
"The success of tourism in The Tweed has always been built through strong partnerships, and that will continue to be our focus moving forward.
"While our team has an important role to play, we can't do this alone. It's the collective efforts of our passionate tourism operators, businesses, community organisations, volunteers and local government that continue to shape The Tweed into a thriving destination that belongs to all of us."
"Our new team brings extensive experience from some of Australia's leading tourism organisations, destinations and brands and a genuine passion for The Tweed."
"Our role is to work alongside industry, be accessible, collaborative and responsive, create opportunities for local businesses and communities, and ensure tourism continues to grow in a way that protects the nature, character and lifestyle that make The Tweed so special."
Ms Stodart also thanked DR Tourism, which has delivered tourism services on behalf of Council since 2018.
"On behalf of Council, we would like to sincerely thank Robbie Cornelius, Danielle Andreuzzi, Brad Nardi, Sally Scott and the wider DR Tourism team for their contribution over the past eight years.
"Their work has strengthened The Tweed's reputation as a visitor destination, supported local operators and positioned the region for continued success. We know The Tweed has a special place in their hearts and we thank them for the professionalism, integrity and collaboration throughout the transition process."
Fresh from being named the only Australian destination included in Lonely Planet's Best in Travel 2027 destination list, The Tweed enters this new chapter with growing national and international recognition, strong industry partnerships and a clear vision for the future.
