Hinterland and coast join forces to boost regional tourism
GYMPIE and the Cooloola Coast are now part of the Nature Coast movement, in attempt to increase visitor numbers.
Gympie Cooloola Tourism formed a mutually-beneficial partnership with neighbouring regional tourism bodies.
Tourism Fraser Coast, Sunshine Coast Destination, Tourism Noosa, GTC, the Great Sandy Biosphere and Noosa Biosphere officially joined forces on Wednesday.
The Nature Coast will bring together the only two adjoining biospheres in the world: the Noosa Biosphere and the Great Sandy Biosphere.
It will also link the laid-back coastal and hinterland lifestyles of the Cooloola, Fraser, Noosa and Sunshine Coasts, Fraser Island, Noosa's national park and cosmopolitan cafe culture, and the "home of the humpbacks" Hervey Bay.
Chairman of the newly-independent Gympie Cooloola Tourism Jan Watt said the GCT had an "excellent and long-standing relationship" with the regional tourism body Sunshine Coast Destination and this would continue to benefit the Gympie region.
The partnership formed this week aims to position the Nature Coast as a premier international destination for natural encounters and nature tourism, Mrs Watt said.
Sunshine Coast Destination chief executive Steve Cooper strongly supported the initiative.
"Our natural diversity is a key strength for this region. This collaboration brings together a strong partnership to promote what is undoubtedly one of Australia's most pristine environments," he said.
Tourism Fraser Coast general manager Pip Close said that by pooling the existing resources of the partner organisations "rather than competing" visitors could have a seamless experience of the region.
Gympie Mayor Ron Dyne and tourism portfolio councillor Julie Walker were contacted for comment but had not responded at time of print.
