Collaboration the key for tourism recovery at forums

The forums, which started with Monday's Ballarat Hospitality Forum, were coordinated between the City of Ballarat, Commerce Ballarat and Ballarat Regional Tourism.

Other forums to be held this week included an 'Attractions and Experiences' forum on Tuesday and an 'Accommodation' forum which will be held on Wednesday.

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Red Lion owner David Canny and Eclectic Tastes Cafe and Pantry's Jane Miller spoke at Monday's forum on ways in which the hospitality industry can adapt to the changing landscapes about how best to move forward in a COVID-normal word.

Mr Canny said there was no doubt tourism-based industries would need to work together to create an overall package to attract visitors to the region going forward.

But he said the hospitality industry would face even further complications once JobKeeper benefits ended in March if pandemic restrictions remained somewhat in place.

"The main thing we want to do is concentrate on recovery, we can't be talking how we got into the situation we did, from now it's 'how do we recover out of it?'

Mr Canny said he had particular concerns for the pub industry which would have to deal with banks and landlords who will be looking for deferred payments soon.

And with skills shortages due to the amount of casual staff employed in the industry, it would be a long road back.

"These are the issues we need to get our head around and prepare for," he said. "In some ways, we are a little bit fortunate in Ballarat that we do have a university and once we get students back, we should be in a position where more can come back to the pub and restaurant work force."

He said he was encouraged that Commerce Ballarat, the City of Ballarat and Ballarat Regional Tourism were open to working as one.

"We are hoping the City of Ballarat can take advantage of voucher schemes and encourage more people to visit regions," he said. "It's how we market the city as a group, we can't work in isolation. vital that it is seamless, attractions and

"Who knows what the new normal is? So as operators we need to adapt, be more strategic and put more thought into what customers really want."

Tuesday's forum will feature Ballarat Wildlife Park director Greg Parker and Katrina Nitschke BRT director and chief content and engagement officer at Sovereign Hill, while Wednesday will feature Ballarat Regional Tourism chair Iain Gunn.

Mr Gunn agreed with Mr Canny that the industry wide, collaborative approach was a strong initiative.

"It's a good opportunity to disseminate information, keep everyone informed. It's a good step from the city," he said.

"For me, my involvement is to do an update on the accommodation, but it will be important to get an understanding as to what is on the city's agenda regarding marketing a promotion.

"I see it as a good, positive intent to listen and work together. Our goal this next 12 months is to engage more with our members and be the voice of the industry and look to change the way tourism has been structured in this city."