Council has decided to put the Central Coast Destination Management Plan (DMP) 2022-2025 for an open public exhibition after the successful execution of more than 85 percent of the actions in the 2018-2021 plan.
Key deliverables include reaching a record of one billion dollars in tourism disbursement in 2019, exceeding the goal of achieving AU$921 million in 2021, and the completion of feasibility studies for canoeing and kayaking and the market for RVs and eco and Rural tourism opportunities, which will inform the new DMP 2022-2025.
Destination Central Coast Spokesperson and Council Director Natalia Cowley said the new DMP’s key projects include creating coast to country touring itineraries, developing shared pathways including Point Clare to Gosford Railway, and continuing the Magenta Shared Path.
Cowley also added that the DMP aims to achieve recognition as a World Surfing Reserve, to develop a business events marketing and attraction action plan, undertaking detailed accommodation opportunities and investment study with supporting investment prospectus, and improving visitor services including implementing a wayfinding signage strategy, delivering visitor guides and regional maps, and reinvesting in The Entrance Visitor Information Centre.
Council Administrator Rik Hart said the timing could not be more perfect for renewing the Central Coast Destination Management Plan. Central Coast Destination Management Plan.
“2021 has been a challenging year for the Central Coast tourism industry [businesses], who are still under pressure from the impacts on visitation and visitor expenditure from the 2019-20 bushfires, floods, and ongoing uncertainty and lockdowns associated with the COVID-19 pandemic,” Hart said.
Hart also highlighted that updating the region’s strategic priorities, such as increasing visitor yield, encouraging visitation dispersal, and enabling tourism product development, sets a clear roadmap for recovery with a commitment from the Council to support the sustainable growth of the critical economic and employment sector for the region.
“It is important to note that not all of the actions within the draft DMP are the responsibility of Council to carry out. Implementation is shared with some projects also dependant on securing investment and grant funding,” he added.
The DMP also acts as a supporting document for Council and local operators to apply for any Destination NSW and Commonwealth Government funding including funding for marketing activities, tourism product, infrastructure, and experience development,” he ended.
The draft of the Destination Management Plan 2022-2025, will be displayed for 28 days starting on November 25, 2021 until December 22, 2021. Let your voice be heard by clicking here.