PORT FAIRY tourism operators have warmed to the new Great Ocean Tourism board after four years in the cold when Moyne Shire Council controversially cut ties with the previous regional board.
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“There’s definitely optimism in the air,” said Port Fairy Tourism Inc chair Liz Foreman, who was among 40 local business operators who met the board this week.
“We felt we lost some market share in the past few years and are now keen to capitalise on new opportunities.
“There’s a lot of potential and we have to keep getting our name out there as a place to visit.
“People are still discovering our town and its beauty.”
Port Fairy operators heard board chairman Wayne Kayler-Thomson outlining a vision to boost tourism numbers, particularly from international markets.
They put their hands up for the town to have the first of eight destination action plans to be rolled out across the region.
“The challenge now is to make sure our 302 members get good value,” Ms Foreman said.
“We were encouraged to think about enhancing the visitor experience.
“There’s a huge market out there with internationals who do the Great Ocean Road.
“Wayne laid down the challenge to us to get behind promoting Tower Hill as a unique destination. There is great spin-off potential for Port Fairy, Koroit and Warrnambool.”
Mr Kayler-Thomson said he was encouraged by the Port Fairy turnout and the feedback would continue.