The Great South Coast Group has welcomed the findings of a study calling for higher investment in regional tourism.

The Great Ocean Road World Class Tourism Investment Study, released at the weekend, points to a lack of designated tourist experiences and accommodation in the Great Ocean Road region.

The Great South Coast Group said the study reflected the fact that the Great Ocean Road was one of Australia’s most significant tourism destinations.

But its chair, Cr Matt Makin, said there was a clear need for greater Government and private sector investment to help the industry keep pace with expected growth.

“Last year, more than 7.2 million people visited the Great Ocean Road and we expect this number could be as high as 10.5 million by 2030,” Cr Makin said.

“These people will all need somewhere to stay, somewhere to eat and something to do while they’re here.”

The study notes that food and wine was the most sought after experience for tourists in this region.

The second most sought after experience was to nature-based activities, with shopping coming in at number three.

“As a region, we have already identified a number of projects that cater directly to these types of experiences,” Cr Makin said.

These included the proposed Loch Ard Interpretive Centre, Great Ocean Walk and upgrades to the Apollo Bay Harbour.

“I think it’s also important to note that while it’s an internationally recognised tourism icon, the Great Ocean Road is just one part of our regional picture.”

Cr Makin said there were several other important tourism projects flagged for the Great South Coast, including cruise ships visiting Portland from 2013, the Lake Condah Budj Bim National Heritage Landscape, improvements at Warrnambool’s Flagstaff Hill and upgrades to Port Fairy’s Griffiths Island.

He said the study also recognised that the regional tourism industry’s future success would be largely depended upon a range of external factors.
These included:

• upgrades to the Princes Highway west of Geelong

• improvements to the Great Ocean Road

• improved access to harbours, marinas, jetties

• airport upgrades

• improved infrastructure in national and state parks

• more passenger rail services

• more accommodation.

“The success of our regional tourism industry really depends on a complex interplay of all of these things,” Cr Makin said.

“The Great South Coast Group looks forward to working with Government and private investors to sort through these issues and to help to build a robust regional tourism industry.”