Three people dressed in business attire sit in chairs atop a stage, holding and speaking into microphones. There is a projector screen behind them.

HOME PRIDE: Wagga Wagga co-hosted the LGNSW Destination and Visitor Economy Conference 2024, allowing the chance to highlight what our region has to offer. Picture: Council Strategic Sustainability Advisor Carly Hood chats with conference panellists.

Events & Tourism

Wagga Wagga welcomes tourism professionals from across the state

Published: 31 May 2024 9:51am

The City of Wagga Wagga, Junee Shire and Coolamon Shire joined forces this week to host the Local Government NSW (LGNSW) Destination and Visitor Economy Conference 2024, bringing an exciting opportunity to highlight key tourism and visitor attractions in the region.

Wagga Wagga Civic Theatre opened its doors to 180 delegates from Tuesday 28 May – Thursday 30 May, connecting representatives across the state to share insights, spark conversation, and develop skills for those involved in the tourism industry.

Mayor of the City of Wagga Wagga Councillor Dallas Tout said the event was a great opportunity to spotlight Wagga Wagga as a regional business events destination.

“We are proud to have had this opportunity to collaborate with our neighbours Junee and Coolamon shires, as well as connecting with delegates who travelled to Wagga Wagga from rural, regional and metropolitan locations from right across NSW,” Cr Tout said.

“Local government staff and elected officials were able to come together to network and engage in open, positive discussions on current tourism drivers and challenges.

“Our local area attracts 1.4 million visits annually. Being able to host an event of this kind reinforces that Wagga Wagga is a leading regional tourism destination in the state.”

Council worked closely with LGNSW to develop this year’s event program to ensure a strong focus on our region’s best attractions and experiences.

A First Nations man speaks to a crowd of people gathered in front of a public art mural. — **CBD TOUR:** Uncle James Ingram conducted a tour for conference delegates around the Wollundry Lagoon Cultural Precinct.

The program highlights included a series of notable keynote speakers, panel discussions, workshops, site visits, and a temporary public artwork display Flock by Tom Buckland, featuring six larger-than-life bird sculptures taking temporary residence around the Wollundry Lagoon Cultural Precinct.

The conference also saw a panel session on the popular winter event, Festival of W, a CBD Walking Tour, and a cycling afternoon to explore the best of our region’s landscapes and local produce.

“This conference allowed us to showcase our wonderful region and its key tourism assets, from scenic natural landscapes, delicious local produce, and a full calendar of events happening year-round,” Cr Tout said.

Two bird sculptures stand on the grassed area outside Wagga Wagga Art Gallery’s E3 art space. — **FLOCK:** Tom Buckland’s public artwork, comissioned by Council, features six larger-than-life bird sculptures made from recycled materials.

“The traction for local businesses during the conference has also been hugely beneficial, with many delegates choosing to dine-out throughout the week and extending their trips to stay longer in the region.”

The conference also attracted key tourism ministers and officials to Wagga Wagga, including a Tourism Australia representative, the CEO of Destination NSW Steve Cox and The Hon. John Graham MLC NSW Minister for the Arts, Minister for Music and the Night-time Economy and Minister for Jobs and Tourism.

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