Eurobodalla showcased to Tourism Australia staff

Tourism Australia staff visited Eurobodalla this week to gain a better understanding of the region’s tourism offering and the shire’s recovery.

The bushfire-themed educational trip, hosted by Eurobodalla Council’s tourism staff, gave 106 Tourism Australia delegates a deeper insight into Eurobodalla for their work in helping the area recover through tourism marketing both in Australia and abroad.

Tourism Australia is the Australian Government agency responsible for attracting international visitors to Australia. It also has an increased focus on encouraging Australians to get out and explore their own backyard.

In 2019, Australians spent more than $80 billion on overnight trips and more than $26 billion on day trips. It is hoped Tourism Australia will help Eurobodalla tap in to this growing market, particularly as COVID restrictions ease further.

On Tuesday and Wednesday Tourism Australia staff met local tourism operators to hear their experiences of the bushfires and how they are bouncing back.

The itinerary included visits to Mogo Village, Mogo Wildlife Park and a networking dinner at Moruya Racecourse, as well as experiencing local tourism products firsthand.

Council’s events coordinator Tegan Benfield said these included an oyster tasting kayak tour, a surf lesson, an e-bike tour and a bushwalk from Wasp Head to Cookies Beach.

“For the Tourism Australia staff, the visit not only demonstrated the region’s incredible resilience but also gave their marketing, PR and social media teams a deeper insight,” she said.

“They are already looking at incorporating elements of Eurobodalla’s tourism offering into their domestic marketing, which is wonderful news.”

Ms Benfield said it was amazing for the Eurobodalla Tourism team to host the experience.

“While they were only here for a short time, we were able to give them a real taste for the region, with multiple staff saying they will be coming back with their family and friends to explore further,” she said.