Sutherland Shire has been chosen to host the New South Wales Local Government and Shires Association 2011 Tourism Conference.
Sutherland Mayor Lorraine Kelly said hosting the conference would be another boost to local tourism, with the event expected to attract some 200 delegates from across New South Wales.
The conference, to be staged at Council’s new Engadine Community Centre, will run over three days from 10 to 12 March 2011.
Mayor Kelly said conference delegates will be offered a range of accommodation choices along with local experiences and tours throughout the Shire.
She said tourism in the Sutherland Shire continues to be a great success story, with local operators experiencing considerable growth and some reporting visitor growth of up to 25 per cent.
The quality of the local tourism operators was demonstrated with seven Shire tourism businesses selected as finalists in the 2010 Greater Sydney Tourism Awards in August.
“Council sees tourism and small business in the Shire as critical in underpinning the local economy – and a successful local economy means more local jobs and better services and facilities,” Councillor Kelly said.
She said Council continues to support tourism and business in the region through the production of the Sutherland Shire Visitors Guide.
The 2010/11 edition of the Visitors Guide was launched in June and features 93 local businesses. The guide has increased from 64 to 80 pages and due to demand, the print run has doubled from 50,000 to 100,000 copies.
It features a range of new regional districts, as well as a selection of great places to eat in the Shire, showcasing Bundeena, Como, Cronulla Coast, Gymea Village, Menai Metro, Kurnell and Woronora.
“The guide is a great resource not only for visitors, but for everyone in the Shire to take advantage of the quality experiences on offer,” Councillor Kelly said.
A free copy of the guide is available at www.visittheshire.com.au
