FINE food and natural wonders of the Pyrenees will be the focus of the shire’s new tourism strategy.
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Pyrenees Shire Council mayor Robert Vance said work was under way to develop council’s Economic Development Strategy, which would incorporate growth and development, tourism and internet and communication technology strategies.
Cr Vance said while the region’s tourism industry was strong, there was room for improvement.
“I believe the sector is going well, but it could certainly do better,” Cr Vance said.
“The strategy will highlight the nature-based tourism in the Pyrenees, wineries and the fine food.”
Cr Vance said council had promoted the region at the Regional Victoria Living Expo in Melbourne in April.
“When you are a small council, there are only so many dollars that come down,” he said. “You want to get the best bang for your buck and we really push our area when we can.”
Pyrenees tourism business Golden Nugget Winery Tours has been operating in the region for 11 years.
Owner Andrew Grant said marketing was an important factor in tourism.
“The Pyrenees is missing a presence in the Melbourne market,” he said.
“When you ask someone from Melbourne about wine country, the first thing that comes to mind is the Yarra Valley or Mornington Peninsula.”
Tourism Victoria data found domestic day trips and overnight visitors to the Grampians region, which includes the Pyrenees Shire, increased in the past 12 months.
Tourism Victoria notes changes to the national visitor survey methodology and series breaks could affect data comparisons between 2013 and 2014.
kara.irving@fairfaxmedia.com.au