Geelong and The Bellarine’s peak tourism body is celebrating a year of remarkable achievement, having delivered several successful industry-strengthening programs which directly contributed to the growth of the local visitor economy.
Between 2022-2023, Tourism Greater Geelong and The Bellarine provided a number of industry training programs and networking opportunities which were attended by more than a thousand workers from across the tourism sector.
Key industry capability highlights include:
- Upskilling and certifying 170 frontline staff in wine appreciation, coffee making and mixology
- 40% of those who attended the aforementioned courses went on to further their skills to become sommeliers.
- Achieving record sales, with many industry events selling out within 2-5 days.
Success was also observed in other areas of the business, with:
- The confirmation of 24 business events by the Business Events Geelong team, amounting to $2.4 million in economic impact for the region.
- The launch of the Sustainable Destination Master Plan, a 10-year vision for the region which will strengthen and build a more resilient visitor economy, attract investment, and create a skilled local workforce.
- The delivery of seven major projects including the Visiting Friends and Relatives Campaign, the Domestic Short Break Campaign, the rebuild of the consumer website, destination master planning, and more.
- The Visitor Economy bouncing back ahead of predictions, with new figures from Tourism Research Australia showing visitation in Geelong and The Bellarine up 4.8% to 6.2 million; nights up by 8% to 4.41 million and spend skyrocketing 45% to $1.6 billion (when compared to the year ending June 2019).
“It goes without saying that these achievements could not have been possible without the hard work and dedication of our Board, our staff, and our members,” said Tracy Carter, Executive Director, Tourism Greater Geelong and The Bellarine.
“We couldn’t be prouder of our industry’s collective efforts in positioning Geelong and The Bellarine as a world-class destination that leaves an impression on all those who visit.”
The achievements are highlighted in TGGB’s 2022-23 Annual Report, which was presented last night at the organisation’s Annual General Meeting held at the brand-new Holiday Inn & Suites Geelong.
The Annual General Meeting also saw members voting in three new skills-based Board members, with experience spanning marketing, finance and business events.
Joining the TGGB Board for the next three years are: Larelle Fitt, Head of Conferencing and Events at Sharp Group; Varia Mitchell, Director of Sales and Marketing at Vue Apartments & R Hotel; Tom Ward, Owner and Managing Director, Murphys, Queen of the West and Eureka Hotel.
TGGB Board Chair Bill Mithen commented: “The newly appointed Board members bring fresh perspectives to the table, ensuring that our organisation continues its trajectory of growth and success.”
“I thank Connie Trathen, Helen Butteriss, and Karen Jackson for their dedicated service in steering the organisation’s strategic direction for the past three years. We appreciate and are grateful for all you have accomplished.”
To view our 2022-23 Annual Report CLICK HERE
