Call for community to have their say on Denmark tourism vision

Denmark residents and business operators are urged to have their say on a long-term tourism vision for their town, including the future of the Denmark Visitor Centre.

Last month the Shire of Denmark appointed the Great Southern Centre of Outdoor Recreation Excellence to lead the development of a new tourism strategy for the town.

Two online surveys for residents and businesses are set to help GSCORE formulate a community vision for tourism and identify the impact of tourism on the community and environment.

The strategy is expected to be completed at the end of the financial year and will help guide the council’s long-term decision making.

It will also help determine the future of the visitor centre, which is operating an emergency visitor service after the departure of Amazing South Coast in July.

Shire of Denmark acting chief executive David Schober said in-depth consultation with the community and business operators would ensure the strategy would benefit both locals and visitors.

“Tourism is an important part of our local economy and we want all community members to have the chance to lead us in the right direction, especially as tourist numbers increase and demands on our resources and services rise,” he said.

The first round of workshops for business operators will focus on visitor servicing and the future of the Denmark Visitor Centre.

They will be held in Nornalup on Monday and Denmark next Wednesday and Thursday.

GSCORE will hold more community workshops in March.

The two surveys will be open on the Shire of Denmark website until February 28.