Bendigo Regional Tourism will on Friday unveil its five-year development plan.
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The Bendigo Region Destination Management Plan provides an outline of the tourism strategy for the Bendigo region over the next five years, shows the current market trends and perceptions, identifies why people visit the region and lists the projects planned for the future and their priority.
Along with Bendigo Regional Tourism, the plan is partnered by the City of Greater Bendigo, Mount Alexander Shire, Loddon Shire, Central Goldfields Shire and Regional Development Victoria.
City of Greater Bendigo manager of tourism Kathryn MacKenzie said the plan would help visitors have more experiences in surrounding regions, as well as in Bendigo.
“The vision of Bendigo is as this wonderful exciting city with a great arts and cultural brand but surrounding the city is these Goldfields villages that are wonderful places to visit and have their own energy,” she said.
“All the surrounding regions hold the key to great visitor experiences. Each of these villages and towns are building their own unique brand and are exciting places to visit.”
Ms McKenzie said it was important to highlight areas of improvement in the plan.
They included improved digital aspects and online presence along with the overall visitor experience.
“What we are finding out with the visitor centres is what services do we need across region?” Ms McKenzie said.
“We have already got a fantastic network but we can really do better. We want a seamless visitor experience.”
The long list of projects will see vast improvements to tourist attractions and accommodation in all four shires.
To fund part of the projects, Ms McKenzie said the state government has provided three years’ funding for the Goldfields Region.
“Ballarat and Bendigo share and we share the funding with the immediate region,” she said. “For major projects we will be looking to the state and (federal) governments.
“This is the blueprint for the next step for local governments and Bendigo Regional Tourism. In applying for funding, we now have a strategy plan backed by consultation and have a good case to go to governments (for funding).”
Read more about the plan in Saturday’s paper.
