The not-for-profit group hopes to grow its membership base with plans to have local products and organisations featured in professional articles and blogs.

Bendigo Tourism launched partnership packages for members at an event on Monday night.

Bendigo Tourism Board chair Kathie Bolitho said the growth of social media’s growth provides new opportunities for businesses.

“As social media evolves so does our opportunities for social media interaction promoting both individuals and the region,” Ms Bolitho said.

“We have increased access to have our member’s experience or product featured in professional articles, and in blogs highlighted on the Bendigo Tourism website which attracts about 1200 visitors each day.

“Training and education has been highlighted even more this year with personalised digital mentoring programs and our brand new for 2018 Bendigo tourism conference which will be showcase innovation and new market trends.”

Ms Bolitho said membership could suit all types of business with a range of options available to encourage organisations to join.

“Growth is always important. We wish to support the Bendigo region as a whole and to ensure all tourism operators have access to the support they require,” she said.

“We are passionate about spreading the message that you don’t have to be a tourism operator to be part of Bendigo Tourism.

“The businesses that receive the most visits on the Bendigo Tourism website are often not the ones you may expect. Many are small operators who don’t have large budgets, that are now being viewed by people across the world.”

The Bendigo Tourism Board contributes more than $200,000 each year to the promotion and development of the Bendigo region and the tourism businesses within it.

That includes $100,000 in funding for marketing campaigns as well as providing resources such as visitor guide books, training programs, networking events and grants.

For more visit https://bendigotourism.partners 

Eight local businesses will benefit from the latest round of funding from the Bendigo Tourism Grants Program.

“All were excellent projects that will benefit the region. We are really starting to see some new and interesting ideas come through,” Bendigo Tourism Board chair Kathie Bolitho said.

The following organisations were awarded grants: