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Latrobe Tourism Network Update

The effects of the network are set to spread...

By Robyn Neeson - 29th October 2002 - Back to News

All Latrobe businesses and tourism operators are ambassadors for the City. That was the key message identified at the inaugural workshop of the newly-formed Latrobe Tourism Network. Spokesman, Peter Dobell, said that although the word tourism was generally used to describe only traditional operators such as accommodation providers, attractions and tour operators, it also applied to any service that catered for the needs of all visitors to our region. "All business operators must realise that every visitor brings dollars to our area, which creates a major flow-on effect" Mr Dobell said.

"The visitor who fills his fuel tank at the local service station helps to pay the wages of the console operator, who in turn buys groceries at the local supermarket, or shoes in the local shoe shop. The staff at those shops also spread their money around in a similar manner, so the effect of one visitor filling up at the service station could be that many locals also fill up their fuel tanks."

Tourists were not the sole domain of traditional tourism operators, Mr Dobell added. All visitors, whether they are in Latrobe City for business or pleasure, or just passing through on their way to somewhere else, help to enrich our community and stimulate the local economy.

The Latrobe Tourism Network has urged all business operators and workers to treat strangers as welcome visitors.

"Ask them where they are from, have they been here before?" Mr Dobell said. "We all have to talk our region up, to encourage people to visit Walhalla, do a PowerWorks tour or give the kids a leg-stretch in the Morwell Community Playground."

Individuals and business operators are invited to join the Latrobe Tourism Network, an initiative of the Latrobe Small Business Network. Membership is free until May 2003. As well as supporting the development of tourism, members will benefit from networking and training opportunities.

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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