The South Coast Regional Tourism Organisation (South Coast RTO) hosted a Destination NSW Board Meeting at The Sebel Harbourside Kiama last night, combining the special visit with an industry networking event for all businesses involved in the tourism sector in the region.

The timing coincides with the South Coast region's first ever whole-of-region tourism marketing campaign in partnership with Destination NSW, entitled  'Unspoilt', delivering record increases in domestic visitor numbers to the South Coast.

South Coast RTO Chair, Ms. Catherine Shields said the South Coast RTO Board was thrilled to welcome their Destination NSW counterparts to the beautiful unspoilt South Coast.

“We are honoured to host the Destination NSW Board members at a time when the local tourism industry is experiencing record growth and visitation from both the domestic and international markets. Tourism is currently one of the two largest industries on the South Coast and has enormous potential for providing wealth and employment for the region in the future.”

Destination NSW Chairman John Hartigan said the visit was a valuable opportunity to meet with the South Coast tourism industry.

“On behalf of the Destination NSW Board, I thank Catherine, the South Coast Regional Tourism Organisation and the many local businesses who have taken the time to welcome us during our visit, and to share their insights into this spectacular part of NSW.”

Ms Shields, who presented to the DNSW Board on future strategies and plans for the South Coast tourism industry, said the focus now is on industry growth, via product development and encouraging tourism businesses to work together.

“We are seeing quite a bit of success with collaboration between tourism operators for example, with groups of businesses joining forces to tackle bigger and more lucrative opportunities.”