By GEORGIA WESTGARTH
WHAT’S the region’s identity?
That’s the question the fresh-faced Cardinia Shire and City of Casey tourism advisory committee is trying to work out in a bid to boost tourism in the south-east region.
A local trailblazer in the field, Michael Johnson owner of Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Park in Pearcedale, says there’s a lot to gain from an emphasis on local tourism.
“It’s about making use of the constant traffic passing through the region to the Mornington Peninsula, Phillip Island and on the Sydney-Melbourne route, and enticing them to stop and spend money here,” Mr Johnson said.
“The friends and relative market is very big in Casey. Because we are so multicultural we get families coming from overseas to visit their relatives here.”
Mr Johnson first initiated the tourism conversation with former Casey Mayor Amanda Stapledon about three years ago and is thrilled to see the neighbouring councils merge to tackle tourism.
“Tourism in Casey hasn’t been consistently attacked,” he said.
“Tourism is a long-term process, it doesn’t just land on your doorstep, it takes several years to build up an identity.”
Mr Johnson said this year the committee would be focused on developing a marketing strategy for the entire region.
“I think tourism is undervalued as an economic activity, tourism is a very valuable builder of local jobs and entry level and senior positions.
“And just ask the fish and chip shop owner, he’ll tell you about the customers he gets while passing his door after visiting another attraction. Tourism brings people into the region.”
But according to Mr Johnson, the tourism pull has to have several strings to its bow.
“People want to go to several things when they’re out for the day, we also need to keep locals staying in the region too, instead of visiting elsewhere.”
The new-look joint venture by Cardinia Shire and Casey councils aims to create a reason to visit the region.
If you have an idea for “our identity”, tell us! Leave a comment below or email: dailyeditor@starnewsgroup.com.au.
