A plan for making places better to live in through tourism
1 Sep 10
A new initiative to promote our local distinctiveness has been announced by the Shoalhaven Tourism Board.
The Board wants to encourage and promote the really special qualities of our city to tourist whilst at the same time help to improve the quality of life for our communities.
Using two grant funding opportunities: Tourism Development Fund and Precinct Fund, communities are invited to enter submissions for grant funding up to $10,000 (from both funds) or individually $5,000 each.
The projects could involve an environmental, historical or social project like an event, an attraction or themed tour. "This is a change from our previous funding process," says Chris Warren the new chairman of the Shoalhaven Tourism Board. "We want to encourage a cooperative approach from several community groups to work together so that the project has the maximum benefit for the local community, tourism businesses and visitors.
By working together the group may wish to develop an innovative concept which emphases a unique feature of the environment or culture and that can be enjoyed by the local community and appreciated by visitors."
Applications will also be considered for existing projects.
A briefing session will be held at 6:30 p.m. September 13 at Jing Jo.
Members of local groups and their management committees are encouraged to attend, meet the tourism board members and discuss scope for cooperation.
The source of other funding opportunities both state and federal will also be presented.
"This meeting represents a step towards a responsible tourism philosophy. It is the first of series of presentations across the Shoalhaven and acknowledges that responsible tourism has a role to play in making places better for people to live in and better places to visit - in that order," says Chris Warren.