Workshops to explore next steps in tourism

Orange City Council is holding the workshops to explore and identify the preferred future of tourism for the Orange Region.

The two independently-facilitated workshops will be held on August 4 and 6 to bring together representatives from many groups and organisations that influence and impact tourism in the Orange region.

Orange City Council’s Employment and Economic Development Committee chair Cr Jeff Whitton is encouraging a broad range of local businesses to attend the workshops.

“The food and wine producers of Orange have built a solid a reputation which attracts thousands of visitors, and now it’s time to build on those foundations.”

“We need to make sure the wine and food area continues to prosper, and then ask where else we can grow the tourism sector.”

“It’s important that the views of all local business are heard when we look at the future direction of tourism strategies.”

Around 470 local business were invited to attend in letters mailed last week.

“The communities, businesses and tourism operators of Orange, Blayney and Cabonne all play a significant role when visitors come to the region and it’s important that there’s input from all areas,” Cr Jeff Whitton said.

There more information and people can register online at http://www.visitorange.com.au/tourism2016 To finalise numbers, people are being asked to RSVP for this fully catered event by Wednesday 27 July.

The workshops are already proving popular with Thursday's event nearly at capacity but there's room in Saturday's workshop.

The program runs from 9.30am to 3pm in the ballroom at the Hotel Canobolas.