MOUNT Gambier tourism leader Ben Deering has backed a probe into possible commercial tourism opportunities at the city’s iconic crater lakes precinct.
Mr Deering – who was appointed chair of Tourism Mount Gambier yesterday – said commercial tourism was the key to driving growth in the city’s multi-million-dollar visitor economy.
His comments come as Mount Gambier City Council and city’s peak tourism group investigate the feasibility of a glass bridge, zip-liner or other attractions at the crater lakes.
“Commercial tourism is a necessity for our city if we want to grow the industry,” Mr Deering said.
“So much of what we have is eco-tourism based and free, we don’t actually even see half the tourists.”
He said visitors were often keen to book tourism activities as part of their holidays and were searching for commercial attractions.
“The important thing is all the money that comes here from tourism, stays here in the region,” Mr Deering said.
He said the tourism sector supported a diversity of businesses, including hospitality operators.
