Games expected to boost tourism

By Kath Gannaway
REGIONAL tourism operators could expect short and long-term benefits to flow from the Commonwealth Games next year and the Yarra Valley and Dandenongs are perfectly placed to most take advantage of the event.
That message was a key point for tourism operators attending the Destination Yarra Valley Dandenong Ranges Regional Tourism Exchange at De Bortoli Winery last week.
Operators were treated to a perspective not only into the economic and tourism benefits attached to the Games but to an uplifting insight into what the games are all about when Olympic hurdler and Commonwealth Games hopeful, Kyle Vander Kuyp spoke of his passion for the sport and his determination to compete before a home crowd in March.
Clive Dwyer, tourism manager of Melbourne 2006 Commonwealth Games said the Games were a great opportunity to attract visitors to regional areas across Victoria.
“We are expecting 90,000 interstate and international visitors and with De Bortoli Wines on board as a sponsor, the Yarra Valley can capitalise on this success,” he said.
Destination Yarra Valley Dandenong Ranges executive director Andrea Roberts said the meeting was a great success providing information to local operators about the potential for short and long-term benefits.
She said the short term implication for the Yarra Valley was the focus on the area during the Queen’s Baton Relay and the number of people the event will bring to Melbourne.
She said the Yarra Valley and the Dandenongs were perfectly positioned to take advantage of the day trip and short stay market. The international exposure, she said, would benefit the area in the longer-term.
“With the coverage that will be around these games it is hoped it will turn our tourism industry upward just as it did for Manchester after their Commonwealth Games,” Ms Roberts said.