THE volunteer-run Inverloch Tourism Association is extending its destination marketing program to Wonthaggi, hoping to encourage visitors to spend more time and money in Bass Coast.
Unlike its seaside neighbour, Wonthaggi has been virtually overlooked as a tourist destination but a new Visit Wonthaggi platform aims to give local businesses similar exposure.
Supported by Bass Coast Shire Council, a new Business Connect initiative builds on the success of the Visit Inverloch website. Since launching three years ago, the website now attracts more than 70,000 visitors over the past year.
Unlike its seaside neighbour, Wonthaggi has been virtually overlooked as a tourist destination but a new Visit Wonthaggi platform aims to give local businesses similar exposure.
Supported by Bass Coast Shire Council, a new Business Connect initiative builds on the success of the Visit Inverloch website. Since launching three years ago, the website now attracts more than 70,000 visitors over the past year.
ITA president Glenn Morris said visitors rarely stayed in one town.
“Someone might stay in Inverloch, enjoy breakfast in town, spend the afternoon at the State Coal Mine, visit a café in Wonthaggi, enjoy dinner back in Inverloch and finish the evening at the cinema in Leongatha. Every experience strengthens the overall appeal of our region and gives visitors another reason to stay longer and explore further."
Inverloch small business owner and ITA communications officer Monique Wilson said Bass Coast relied heavily on day visitors.
"The Bass Coast 2030 Economic Framework estimates that increasing overnight stays to levels achieved elsewhere in regional Victoria could add $113 million to the local economy. Every extra night makes a difference."
The association says its role complements the work of Visit Victoria and Destination Gippsland by promoting individual businesses, attractions and events that visitors might otherwise miss.
An information evening for businesses interested in joining the initiative will be held at the Wonthaggi Club on Thursday 13 August from 5.30pm to 8.30pm.
“Someone might stay in Inverloch, enjoy breakfast in town, spend the afternoon at the State Coal Mine, visit a café in Wonthaggi, enjoy dinner back in Inverloch and finish the evening at the cinema in Leongatha. Every experience strengthens the overall appeal of our region and gives visitors another reason to stay longer and explore further."
Inverloch small business owner and ITA communications officer Monique Wilson said Bass Coast relied heavily on day visitors.
"The Bass Coast 2030 Economic Framework estimates that increasing overnight stays to levels achieved elsewhere in regional Victoria could add $113 million to the local economy. Every extra night makes a difference."
The association says its role complements the work of Visit Victoria and Destination Gippsland by promoting individual businesses, attractions and events that visitors might otherwise miss.
An information evening for businesses interested in joining the initiative will be held at the Wonthaggi Club on Thursday 13 August from 5.30pm to 8.30pm.