The Coorong District Council will support tourism operators across the Coorong region to raise the bar ahead of a mass influx of visitors when The Bend Motorsport Park opens.
In another move to invest in the future of the Coorong, Council has agreed to fund and lead a tourism development program working closely with business operators in the tourism industry with the inclusion of an ‘Coorong Champions’ Program for those who are invested into making a difference to the region and the way it is promoted.
Coorong District Council Tourism Development Officer Anna Del Rio said Council had spent several years installing way-finding and landmark signage across the region, and its annual $30,000 tourism signage would now be used to focus on building the capacity of small business owners to create an outstanding visitor experience.
A significant portion of the budget – an estimated $12,000 – will be retained for tourism infrastructure, including place-making projects.
“These projects have been vital for Council to establish ‘the basics’ of tourism, more particularly directing travellers to town centres and attractions, and telling the story of our special places,” Ms Del Rio said.
“Whilst signage remains important to deliver and will continue, we now want to focus on skills development for our industry and provide opportunities for business growth and entrepreneurship, given the advance of The Bend Motorsport Park.
“Some of the areas the program will cover are service excellence, digital marketing and latté art. This is a boost for our existing and future tourism operators.”
