Wollundry lagoon bridge in foreground with Fitzmaurice Street and businesses in background

Events & Tourism

Wagga Wagga + Surrounds to host state destination conference in 2024

Published: 01 Jun 2023 9:01am

Wagga Wagga City Council and neighbouring shires of Coolamon and Junee have been successful in their application to host the Local Government NSW Destination and Visitor Economy Conference in 2024.

The announcement of the 2024 host council was made by emcee Matt Baseley at the 2023 Destination and Visitor Economy Conference, held in Northern Beaches this week.

The state significant conference brings together local government staff and councillors, key industry stakeholders and local operators to discuss insights and the ever-changing world facing future visitors.

Two women in business attire, smiling and holding Local Government NSW signs, standing on paved area with beach in background — **EXCITING TIMES AHEAD:** Wagga Wagga City Council Destination & Events Coordinator Kim Parker with Local Government NSW Manager of Events and Conferences Tina Croker at the Northern Beaches, following the announcement Wagga Wagga + Surrounds will host the Destination and Visitor Economy Conference in 2024.

Mayor of the City of Wagga Wagga Councillor Dallas Tout said he was thrilled the Wagga Wagga + Surrounds region has been selected as host for this significant conference which is expected to attract around 250 delegates across the three days in May next year.

“Having this conference held in the city is a great opportunity for our region and wider NSW to come together to share innovative and new ideas, deep dive into contemporary challenges and showcase our successes as a leading regional tourism destination,” Cr Tout said.

“Not only will our city be the main host of the event, but we are also working with our neighbours Junee and Coolamon shires to showcase a selection of what our wider region has to offer and demonstrate how successful partnerships can be created.

“These partnerships are incredibly important for tourism, especially in regional areas, where collaboration offers more for visitors to experience.

“Our vibrant and thriving region offers beautiful natural landscapes, trails and waterways, arts and culture, incredible locally grown and made produce, as well a diverse calendar of events to keep visitors coming back year-round.”

The joint conference bid with Coolamon Shire and Junee Shire is an extension of Wagga Wagga City Council’s work through the Wagga Wagga Tourism Partner Program which includes partners from seven neighbouring shires.

Wagga Wagga is a leading region tourism destination in NSW, attracting more than 1.3 million visits annually, who on average stay three nights in our city to use as a base and head out on day trips to the surrounding region.

Coolamon Shire Mayor David McCann OAM said his Council was excited to work with the City of Wagga Wagga and Junee Shire for next year’s Destination and Visitor Economy Conference.

Exterior view of heritage building, with old fashioned signs for groceries and glassware on exterior of Up To Date Store in Coolamon — **LOCAL ATTRACTIONS:** The Up To Date Store in Coolamon. Image: Lean Timms

“We look forward to promoting our region and welcoming conference participants to the Coolamon Shire,” Cr McCann said.

“This is a fantastic announcement that will grow awareness of our wonderful region. It gives us an opportunity to highlight our local attractions, experiences, and operators.”

Those sentiments were echoed by Junee Shire Council’s General Manager James Davis, who said the Junee community was thrilled the Wagga Wagga + Surrounds region had been selected as host for the 2024 conference.

“We are looking forward to welcoming our Local Government colleagues and representatives from across the state to gather here on Wiradjuri Country, and we welcome everyone to come and experience Junee,” Mr Davies said.

Woman in dress leaning on metal fencing barriers, looking at train engine at roundhouse in Junee — **VIBRANT HERTIAGE:** Junee Roundhouse Railway Museum. Image: Lean Timms

The conference will be held from Tuesday 28 May to Thursday 30 May 2024.

An exciting agenda for the multi-day experience is already under development, including nature, food and drink and culture-based experiences.

Each experience will be unique to the Wagga Wagga + Surrounds region to give delegates a real taste of what this region has to offer and how it is contributing to the state’s tourism industry.

The annual Destination and Visitor Economy Conference is organised and delivered by Local Government NSW.