FORSTER TUNCURRY TOURISM OPERATORS

BUCK TREND

Bob Baldwin, Member for Paterson, Shadow Minister for Tourism and Regional Development said Forster Tuncurry tourism operators were to be congratulated on their performance, following the release of a new report.

Research by Tourism Research Australia has revealed visitors to the Forster Tuncurry region are staying an average of 5.7 nights, compared to the national trend of 3.8 nights.

“Our tourism operators are to be congratulated on growing the market share, particularly in a very competitive market,” said Mr Baldwin.

“Local businesses are competing with the effects of the Global Financial Crisis, and an increasing number of Australians choosing to holiday overseas due to the high Australian dollar.

“With the introduction of Labor’s carbon tax, they will also need to compete with the fact that travellers will have to pay the carbon tax for a flight from Sydney to Taree, but not for a flight from Sydney to Bali.

“Here in the Great Lakes we are blessed with a fantastic natural environment, however Council and dedicated volunteers like Ted Bickford also work hard to ensure our region is clean and beautiful for locals and tourists alike,” said Mr Baldwin.

Despite the survey showing that 9 in 10 visitors are repeat visitors, the level of overall satisfaction is below the national average.

“Tourism provides thousands of jobs and a great deal of revenue in our region so it is important local tourist numbers are strengthened.

“We now need to build on this information to consolidate the result and I look forward to working with the community in my capacity as Shadow Minister for Tourism,” said Mr Baldwin.

More information on the survey can be found at www.ret.gov.au/tra.