Kiama Municipal Council is asking local community members to have their say on the future of the town’s visitor economy.
The Council says it is seeking to gather ideas and viewpoints to help develop a Kiama Visitor Economy Strategy for local tourism and events that will balance economic growth with community benefit.
The Strategy will focus on:
- Enhancing our reputation as a boutique event and visitor destination;
- Supporting local businesses and operators to build capacity and skills;
- Strengthening connections to state-level initiatives, including Destination NSW’s Visitor Economy Strategy and NSW Vibrancy Reforms;
- Identifying opportunities for infrastructure investment, transport connectivity and visitor accommodation growth;
- Supporting Kiama’s night-time economy through strategic placemaking and collaborative visitor experiences.
Destination Kiama Chair, Matt Brown said it was time for a new plan.
“Now the NSW Government is pushing its vibrancy reforms and other new initiatives, and we need a local roadmap that responds to this new direction we’re heading in,” said Mr Brown.
Manager of Tourism & Events, Sally Bursell said an important element of any new strategy would be balancing economic growth with community benefit.
“Our local visitor economy continues to play a vital role in our region’s economy, with up to 1.2 million visitors a year spending a record $392 million,” she said.
“Tourism is the backbone of our economy, but we must manage it carefully to protect what makes our region special.”
“This strategy will help us balance visitor numbers, easing seasonal peaks and and encouraging longer, more meaningful stays.”
Kiama Council is providing a variety of ways for people to contribute to the Kiama Visitor Economy Strategy, including online survey and ideas board, as well as face-to-face discussions at community pop-ups: yoursay.kiama.nsw.gov.au/visitor-economy-strategy.
Council has also appointed tourism company, DTM Tourism, to lead the development of the Kiama Visitor Economy Strategy.
