TAMWORTH is a major inland tourism hotspot and nothing signifies that better than the big golden guitar, so it was fitting for the local accommodation group to hold its first ever meet-and-greet there on Tuesday morning.
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Gathering at the local visitor information centre, group members discussed ways to make the most of the region's high volume of tourists, with better communication a major talking point.
Creating an online system that would allow tourism operators to see who had rooms available was raised, while setting up a calendar so everyone could see what events were coming up - and could then suggest to their guests - was also talked about.
"The main purpose for the group today was to bring the accommodation group from Tamworth and the region together just as a working group to share information," Tamworth Business Chamber manager Bryan O'Connor said.
"It's a bit of a learning experience for all and there was a bit of a Q and A and some sharing of some positives and some negatives about how they're learning about groups coming to Tamworth."
Given it was just the first meeting, no goals or shared outcomes have been set just yet, but ensuring smaller towns in the area such as Gunnedah and Nundle are not neglected was a focus.
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The group will also be looking to make sure Tamworth's motels and hotels are a major advocate for not just themselves, but the city in general.
Being able to promote the town more thoroughly and with better synergy is something operators believe will ultimately lead to even more tourists wanting to visit.
The meeting, which was facilitated by the Tamworth Business Chamber, also gave operators a chance to ask questions and receive feedback from Tamworth Regional Council (TRC) representatives.
Coordinator of economic and destination development of TRC, Kate Baker, said better connectivity between those in the accommodation and tourism sectors will be crucial going forward, especially during major music or sporting events.
"The biggest [topic] was the opportunity to have two-way communication," she said.
"So knowing when events are coming so motels and the rest of the tourism industry is available and ready to serve."
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