nature based tourism.....

Today I attended a Nature Based Tourism Workshop conducted to assist the development of the Tourism Policy and Action Plan for the Shire. I was joined by Eco Tourism Operators and Parks Vic Rangers as well as Yarra Ranges Officers to talk about opportunities, impediments and a role for the Shire.

In consultations to date Nature Based Tourism has ranked very high as a future direction for tourism in the Shire. 1.6 million people visit the Shire every year for a tourism experience, 950,000 of them visit the Dandenong Ranges National Park!

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Tourism is one of the major drivers of employment and income for our local economy. Given Yarra Ranges proximity to Melbourne it is well placed to grow a Nature Based Tourism sector.

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The discussions were broad ranging with some terrific ideas coming from the group. I look forward to seeing the Tourism Policy and Action Plan come together for the benefit of visitors and locals alike.