October convention a boost for city

BALLARAT is set to host the Australian Regional Tourism Convention from 11-13 October this year, after the event’s cancellation in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Australian Regional Tourism Chair, Coralie Bell, said the city provides an ideal location for a vibrant and inspiring convention due to its commitment to growing visitation and ability to “deliver amazing visitor experiences.”

“After the year we have all experienced, it’s time to come together in person and feel connected,” she said.

Built around the theme of A Robust Visitor Economy – navigating our new future, the convention will see representatives from councils and regional tourism organisations, tourism professionals and businesses, as well as government officials descend on the city for the three-day event.

Delegates will have the opportunity to connect, share ideas and engage in discussions around opportunities and challenges being faced by the industry.

Regarded as the most significant annual occasion for anyone engaged in regional tourism, the convention is also expected to highlight the valuable work being delivered in the Ballarat tourism sector and the growing number of entrepreneurial operators in the region.

“The City of Ballarat and our tourism partners are leaders in regional tourism and we relish the opportunity to show the great work being done in our region to inspire other tourism providers,” said City of Ballarat mayor Cr Daniel Moloney.

Australian Regional Tourism will soon be calling for expressions of interest for presenters at the event.

Additional information can be found on Australian Regional Tourism’s websites at regionaltourism.com.au/convention.