The City of Greater Bendigo is inviting community members to contribute to a new vision for tourism in the region.
Bendigo Regional Tourism is working with Australian tourism strategists, The Tourism Collective, on the development of an updated Destination Management Plan (DMP) for the Bendigo Region.
The DMP would be aligned with Local Area Action Plans (LAAPs) for the City of Greater Bendigo, Mount Alexander, Loddon, and Central Goldfields Shire councils.
Director Strategy and Growth Rachel Lee said the role of a DMP was to bring together all tourism stakeholders, including residents, community groups and businesses to share their perspectives and aspirations for the Bendigo region as a must see tourist destination.
“This collaboration will lead to a vision for the future of tourism for our region,” Ms Lee said.
“The DMP and LAAP outcomes will include strategic objectives that respond to the key issues and opportunities identified for our region, along with a suite of destination development recommendations.
“This will help to build our ‘Bendigo story’, what our unique points of difference are, future product development and regional collaboration.
“The Bendigo region attracted over 4.5M visitors in 2022* and our region provides residents and visitors with enriching contemporary experiences against a much-loved heritage backdrop.
“With the DMP, we want to build on our highly successful and unique visitor offering that sets us apart from other tourist places in Australia and the world.
“Visitors can really immerse themselves in our attractions, events, and experiences – to stay and eat for an extended period, to shop in our local stores, and to feel as though they have really made a connection with Bendigo and the wider region.
“It is important to always be a step ahead and ensure that positive feelings about our region last long after visitors leave it, which is why so many people make repeat visits to Bendigo to discover more.
“The new vision and DMP will play an important role in protecting and enhancing our Bendigo brand over the next decade.”
The Bendigo Regional Tourism survey is open until Friday November 24.