THE GIPPSLAND Tourism Forum brought together tourism professionals, business owners, and industry stakeholders from across the region last Tuesday, to talk about strategies for success.
The forum highlighted the importance of resilience, adaptability, and innovation in Gippsland’s dynamic tourism landscape and encouraged operators to embrace change through a growth mindset, agile decision-making, and the strategic use of technology.
Terry Robinson, CEO of Destination Gippsland (DG) said talking to government and advocating for Gippsland businesses about what can impact visitor numbers, such as ghost camping, short stay accommodation levies, and investment into crown land infrastructure, is part of their role.
“Things that industry not only bring to us, but what we see happening, and government policy,” he said.
The forum was held the same day the Victorian State budget was released, with free camping being rescinded – to the relief of many Gippsland tourism operators.
At the time Mr Robinson spoke with The Sentinel-Times, DG were waiting on the budget to be released, and he stated that funding would dictate how the organisation would go forward.
“Hopefully, they invest in tourism, they see the importance of tourism. That’s probably the higher level matter, and then we want them to be investing in nature-based assets. So, looking after the national parks, invest in Parks Victoria and invest in state forest trails and tracks and all the outdoor rec’ stuff that makes Gippsland what it is.”
The State Government subsequently stated that spending by international travellers in regional Victoria is at record levels and has since allocated $11 million for regional tourism broadly.
Mr Robinson mentioned that DG would continue to work closely and collaboratively with Destination Phillip Island, regardless of where they align themselves in the industry.
“The relationship is really strong and we collaborate on a number of things like the Ken Hore Tourism Mentoring program, and so there’s things that we work closely together on and we always have.”
In 2024 three merger proposals were put forward to DPI by the Department of Jobs, Skills Industry and Regions (DJSIR) as part of a statewide reform of regional tourism promotion.
However, the Bass Coast Shire and Destination Phillip Island rejected all three options and want the government to consider supporting a fourth way given the significance of the visitor economy in the area, called ‘One Bass Coast’, effectively a standalone ‘regional’ tourism association with Bass Coast as its only member.
According to the State Government, Phillip Island doesn’t warrant having a stand-alone regional tourism board and prior funding approvals could be rescinded.
As further discussions occur and the finer details of the budget emerge, it is yet unknown how Destination Phillip Island will be permitted to proceed.
“This is where, from a Destination Gippsland point of view we’re waiting on what Bass Coast does, what Destination Phillip Island does and they’re all waiting on what the State Government ultimately turns toward,” said Mr Robinson.
“In the end, there’s a lot of similarities and the relationships are in place, so it is frustrating that it’s unclear what the future direction is, but we’re hoping, the state budget will provide some direction and then we can plan accordingly and we’ll just keep doing what we’ve done – talk and share things with Phillip Island – whether they come in with Gippsland, then we’ll make that work, or if they go to Mornington or stay as Bass Coast, we’ll make that work.
“Because in the end, there’s all the government side of it, but then the industry and the businesses kind of choose to partner where they see the benefit.”