Central Coast Mayor Lisa Matthews recently led a Summertime 2020/21 Tourism & COVID-19 Safety Roundtable to discuss tourism opportunities to boost our local economy and operating in a COVID safe way.
Mayor Lisa Matthews said there was a need to acknowledge the influx of visitors we will have to the region and reassure the community of our COVID preparedness.
“With surrounding state borders currently closed it is anticipated there will be an influx of visitors coming to the coast and we want to ensure we are providing visitors opportunities and prepared in the current climate of COVID-19,” Mayor Matthews said.
“We welcome visitors to our region however be sure to share the love across the whole coast rather than the popular tourist locations.
Council will be running various tourism campaigns showcasing the leisure areas our coast has to offer such as walking and cycling trails, parklands and our beautiful waterways.
“Today’s roundtable brought together representatives from Central Coast Local Health District, Destination Sydney Surrounds, Business NSW, Clubs NSW, NSW Police and Council staff. Discussed were ways we can collectively support local businesses during the holiday period, manage crowds, pop up COVID testing clinics, beach patrols and promoting our region.
“There are currently 2,191 Central Coast businesses that are COVID-safe registered.
“Data from the Australian Hotels Association indicates for the Central Coast all weekend accommodation in the lead up to Christmas, as well as all accommodation over the Christmas period, is currently very near capacity,” Mayor Matthews added.
“Council will continue to liaise with NSW Police, Central Coast LHD and Business NSW throughout the holiday period and reconvene roundtable discussions post the September school holidays in preparation for the Christmas holiday season.
“We want to assure the businesses and the community that we are with them and committed to working together to boost the local economy whilst keeping people safe,” Mayor Matthews concluded.
Source: Media release Central Coast Council, office of the Mayor, Sept 16, 2020.