A CROSS-BORDER tourism entity that promotes destinations along the Murray River is at risk of folding if funding cuts are made.
Murray Regional Tourism (MRT), which works in partnership with Visit Victoria, Destination New South Wales, Regional Tourism Associations and 13 local government areas, including Gannawarra, said Destination NSW (DNSW) had not committed to the long-term operational funding to the tourism board.
MRT board chair, Wendy Greiner said the MRT model, established in 2010, was the most effective way to achieve ongoing visitor growth to the Murray region.
“It has enabled us to promote one compelling and consistent brand for the entire Murray region creating a seamless experience for tourists,” Ms Greiner said.
“Our fundamental aim is to maximise visitation and grow jobs in the Murray (NSW and Victoria) through the regional visitor economy.”
Last July the NSW Government announced it would invest $43 million over four years to create six new Destination Networks.
Destination Riverina Murray would essentially duplicate Murray Regional Tourism.
“We need Destination NSW to hear the voices of the stakeholders who have benefited significantly from the model and commit to ongoing funding for this proven approach,” Ms Greiner said.
MRT board member and Murray Downs Golf and Country Club chief executive officer, Greg Roberts praised the Victorian Government for its financial commitment to MRT until at least 2019, but said there was a strong view that their counterpart failed to engage with the industry when doing their review of destination networks.
