A new plan aiming to grow the region’s visitor economy has received the green light from Maitland City councillors.
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According to Tourism Research Australia’s 2017 Local Government Area Profile for Maitland, visitors spend $96 million in Maitland annually with an average spend per trip per visitor of $140.
The profile also revealed of the 686,000 people who visit Maitland annually, 540,000 are domestic day visitors, 141,000 are domestic overnight visitors and 5000 are international visitors.
According to Mayor Loretta Baker, a destination management plan will provide a blue print for growing visitor tourism in the region.
“We have a lot to offer in regards to visitor economy,” she said.
“We think Maitland is uniquely positioned. People can come here for a festival but stay a couple of days. They could go to the vineyards or Port Stephens for whale watching – it is all on our doorstep.
“We also have our beautiful and rich built heritage.”
Council unanimously noted the report for developing the plan on January 29, with Labor councillor Robert Aitchison and Liberal councillor Kanchan Ranadive elected to be part of the plan’s management team.
Destination Management Planning was introduced as a requirement for accessing Destination NSW funding back in 2013.
Despite this, Maitland successfully secured funds over the past five years for several projects including flagship events.
The plan will offer a series of pathways and opportunities covering product development and infrastructure, marketing and promotion, visitor servicing and industry partnerships tabled in an action plan to assist Maitland in achieving its vision for the visitor economy.
The project timeline allows for completion of the development by the end of 2019, with implementation commencing in January 2020.
A further report will be provided to council at a future meeting with information on the draft DMP, findings and preliminary recommendations.