HOTEL developments will help keep momentum going in Bendigo's tourist industry for the next decade after it boomed during the past 10 years, industry figures say.
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Bendigo Heritage Attractions outgoing chief executive Peter Abbott said the city's tourism industry had become increasingly busy throughout the year, rather than just at peak holiday periods.
The amount added to Bendigo Loddon's economy by tourism - directly and indirectly - increased by more than $100 million in the decade preceding 2018.
Mr Abbott said the major events focus from the City of Greater Bendigo and the Bendigo Art Gallery had changed over the past 10 years, adding a great deal to the city's tourist industry.
"That's mainly through major events, or events attraction by the council and also I think the food scene has probably improved a hell of a lot too," Mr Abbott said.
"Our arts and culture brand that Bendigo's really taken ownership of has been really positive for the tourism industry."
Investments in Bendigo Tramways, a number of hotel planning permits under consideration at the moment, and the aviation industry would be among the most significant changes during the decade to come, Mr Abbott said.
Mr Abbott said Bendigo needed to refresh and invest in assets such as the Central Deborah Goldmines, the tramways and the Bendigo Art Gallery to continue momentum with the city's tourist industry.
Bendigo Tramways was funded for an $11 million expansion to its workshops and workforce in May.
Mr Abbott pointed to the Central Deborah Gold Mine as an example of the need to invest, with a master plan sitting on the shelf as yet unfunded.
He said a modernised track at the tramways would be on his dream list of tourism infrastructure for Bendigo, as BHA was spending "a huge amount of money" maintaining 1930s tracks in "bits and bobs".
Mr Abbott said the long term position of the Central Deborah Goldmine - still under threat from rising water - would also make his ideal list.
Bendigo Tourism chair Finn Vedelsby said Bendigo tourism had experienced a major turnaround when council decided to focus on arts and culture.
"The response to that has been really really amazing," Mr Vedelsby said.
Mr Vedelsby said Bendigo was now on the world radar, with its sporting events and gallery exhibitions. He said Sydney-Bendigo direct flights meant it was one transfer anywhere in the world to the city.
He expected to see more international tourists in coming years with Bendigo's designation as a UNESCO City of Gastronomy.
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