International Showcase for Central Coast

Central Coast Council’s tourism marketing arm, Destination Central Coast, recently held the region’s first international showcase unveiling our beautiful region to a world-wide audience. The event named ‘Meet Your Central Coast’ held at Glenworth Valley Wilderness Adventures, showcased the Central Coast as an ECO destination with nature-based experiences, 4-5 star accommodation and venues, food and wine tastings. Central Coast Council Director Community and Recreational Services, Melanie Smith, said the collaboration presented the region as a united front as part of Destination Central Coast’s strategy to drive tourism from international markets which brings $39.6m expenditure into the region annually. Throughout the day, eight Central Coast tourism operators impressed the visiting group with an engaging array of activations. The program featured quad bike and horseback riding with Glenworth Valley Wilderness Adventures, a pearl and oyster mini masterclass with Broken Bay Pearl Farm, animal encounters with Australian Reptile Park and Iris Lodge Alpacas, complete with a chocolate and wine tasting by Firescreek Botanical Winery. Premium accommodation venues also presented, highlighting their international standard accommodation. Business Development Manager, Nathan Murray from Glenworth Valley Wilderness Adventures described the showcase as ‘a real milestone’. The Central Coast is now Ecotourism certified under Ecotourism Australia’s globally recognised ECO Destination Certification, and is one of only eleven regions in Australia to hold this recognition in sustainable tourism. Central Coast Council Mayor, Lawrie McKinna said the certification strengthens the Central Coast’s reputation as a leading eco-conscious destination. Visit lovecentralcoast.com/ecotourism to discover our region’s ECO journey.