When tourists think of Orange they might not necessarily also think of Yeoval, Millthorpe or Carcoar.
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But Orange Region Tourism’s [ORT] general manager Caddie Marshall said linking the unique and historic villages and attractions makes good business sense.
From January 1 tourism promotion of Orange will be no longer be all about the city and its nearby wineries and food producers.
The Orange Region Tourism body will co-ordinate tourism across the Orange, Cabonne and Blayney council areas.
Representatives from all three council areas will be on the board.
Ms Marshall said there was plenty of attractions in the region to encourage people to stay, and stay longer, in the region.
History and heritage are key factors in this with the old buildings, heritage and importance of the local villages.
The state government’s efforts to forcibly merge the three councils into one local government body failed dismally last year.
However, the tourism union is being driven by local groups.
The region offers food and wine, local pubs, great historic stories, views and the opportunity for city people to see the real countryside.
Ms Marshall said it was about seeing the “cherries hanging in the trees and the apples hanging in the trees”.
It is hoped the new tourism body does work and the various representatives on the board can put aside local interests and work together for the good of the whole region.
Ms Marshall said from day one she wanted to build the local partnerships to ensure that the ORT and operators were all pushing in the same direction.
She said Orange was competitive with coastal holiday spots in the length of time people stay.
Going to the coast for a week’s holiday is a great attraction.
Coming out to Orange, Blayney and Molong should be the same.
With the joint promotion of Orange as a base for visiting other areas of the region that should give visitors more to see and do, and more reason to stay longer.
And tourism also has another benefit.
People coming here for holidays might return to live here.
And they might be attracted to move their business to the region or start up a new business.
And that has to be good for Orange.
