A new tourism strategy for Somerset council will aim to provide business opportunities and increase visitor numbers to the region

A detailed tourism plan could provide new business opportunities for the Somerset region

Somerset Regional Council has adopted a five-year tourism strategy which aims to provide the foundations for a vibrant visitor economy.

A five-year tourism strategy will build the foundations for a vibrant visitor economy in the Somerset Region.

At its ordinary meeting on Wednesday, Somerset Regional Council adopted the strategy, which provides Somerset Council with the direction to play its role in growing the local visitor economy.

The strategy will also aim to attract new businesses and opportunities in the region.

Somerset mayor Graeme Lehmann said the strategy was vital to capitalise on the region’s tourism growth.

“It’s an exciting time in Somerset, we now have Australia’s longest recreational rail trail covering 80 per cent of our region and we soon will have a multi-use recreational park in Esk, along with our dams, rural amenity and more,” Cr Lehmann said.

“The strategy will guide council in tourism promotions and development over the next five years with 12 key priorities selected for action over this time and a further 36 opportunities for development.

“This document has been a work in progress over more than 12 months and has been informed by research, consultation and analysis.”

Councillor Sean Choat, who sits on Council’s Economic Development and Tourism Advisory Committee, said council was committed to playing its part in supporting economic development.

“Council’s aim is to promote Somerset as a premier regional visitor destination and develop a strong and sustainable visitor economy,” Cr Choat said.

“Council is proactive in its commitment to the design and delivery of initiatives which serve to support the local visitor economy and Somerset region’s prosperity generally.”

A copy of the tourism strategy can be found on council’s website by clicking here