Following months of planning and a thorough review of the existing structure that has been in place for 15 years, Central Coast Tourism has launched a long awaited new membership program for the Central Coast tourism industry.

The previous current structure, where the fee is based on the size of the tourism operator’s business, has been overhauled. The new structure, effective 1st April 2010, allows tourism operators to select the extent of marketing they wish to participate in, based on their own business strategy in attracting the local, regional, national, or international tourist.

“Central Coast Tourism has made three key changes which we hope will address the issues of the past, and place us in a strategic position to better plan for the future,” explained Barton Lawler, Central Coast Tourism’s Chairman.

“The first change has been to introduce a Social Membership category for businesses who want to engage with the industry as tourism advocates, for only $60 per annum.  The second, and most strategic change, is to move from a four tier system (Bronze, Silver, Gold & Platinum), to a six category structure of Social, Local, Regional, National, International and Corporate Membership, allowing operators to self determine which marketing initiatives they would like to pursue in conjunction with Central Coast Tourism, based on their own target markets.

The third change is to move from an anniversary scheme, to an annual renewal of the 1st April each year. This significant change will allow Central Coast Tourism to better plan and allocate its marketing funding against each target market ahead of time on behalf of its members.”

If you as a tourism operator believe that your business is suited to the local day tripper market, then you’ll gain value from the Local Membership package. If your product is of an international standard and receives consistent international visitation, then you will gain value in the International Membership package. As you can see the structure is very intuitive, which should translate into better awareness, engagement and understanding of the services that Central Coast Tourism offers.”

Central Coast Tourism officially launched the new Membership Framework on Wednesday 31st March at Quay West Resort Magenta Shores with over 50 businesses, current and non-current members, in attendance along with Gosford City Mayor Chris Holstein and Wyong Shire Mayor Bob Graham. Central Coast Tourism has received immediate interest in the new membership structure with some businesses taking the opportunity to sign up on the spot.

For more information:
Jacqui Greaves, Business Development Manager
Central Coast Tourism
Tel: (02) 4343 4401 Email: jgreaves@centralcoasttourism.com.au

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