Geoff Helisma | ‘My Clarence Valley’ tourism has been announced as a finalist in the ‘Destination Marketing’ category at this year’s NSW Tourism Awards. ‘My Clarence Valley’ tourism’s public interfaces are its website – www.myclarencevalley.com – and its Facebook page. Clarence Valley Council’s (CVC) general manager, Ashley Lindsay, said in a media release that it was an “exciting achievement … especially to have been selected in the Destination Marketing category against some well known tourism destinations like Coffs Coast, Shoalhaven and Mudgee”. “This recognition speaks volumes for the dedication and commitment shown by our economic development and tourism staff” who have “promoted the entire valley, from the hinterland down through big river country to the Clarence Coast, in order to disperse tourists” and their money across the region. “At first glance our strategies look simple, but taking a closer look you see integrated destination marketing that is fully informed by research and supported by a cohesive creative process,” he said. He said that over the past two years the Clarence Valley experienced a 46 per cent increase in international visitors and a 10 per cent increase in domestic overnight visitors. The council’s economic development coordinator, Elizabeth Fairweather said “working with the Clarence Valley tourism and hospitality cluster and implementing industry development workshops”, had made a significant contribution towards its “marketing success”. “If we work with each other we can build a sustainable tourism destination and industry in the Clarence Valley – one we can all be proud of,” Mrs Fairweather said. She said “the fruits” of CVC’s destination marketing can be found at the Jacaranda Festival. ‘Destination Marketing’ finalists at the November 22 NSW Tourism Awards are: Clarence Valley Council – My Clarence Valley (North Coast NSW); Edward River Council – Visit Deni Destination Appeal Campaign (Riverina Murray NSW); Coffs Harbour City Council, Industry and Destination Development – Destination Coffs Coast (North Coast NSW); Mudgee Region Tourism – Let’s Skip Town Together Mid-Week (Country & Outback NSW); Parkes Shire Council – Parkes, Be Out There Campaign (Country & Outback NSW); and, Shoalhaven City Council – 100 Beach Challenge Campaign (Sydney Surrounds South).