On Tuesday, October 24, the group will hold a meeting where people will be able to network with other businesses, ask questions about membership and hear from the tourism officers from both local governments.
“We’ll be having some guest speakers there as well, in which two tourism officers from each of the councils will be speaking and introducing themselves to members,” EMAA secretary Debbie Egan said.
“It’s a good way for people to know what’s happening with all the changes and the new developments that are happening on both sides of the council.”
The meeting will be held at The Great Aussie Beer Shed at 6pm.
Historically, the group has been just for businesses within the accommodation sector, but it has now opened full membership to people in any business affected by tourism, according to co-president Greg Gilmour.
“We’re welcome to anyone,” Mr Gilmour said.
“Whether it’s an attraction, whether it’s a coffee shop, it doesn’t matter. They’re all hospitality based, so we are not restricting ourselves to just accommodation.
“It’s open for any business or even if they just socially want to be part of it, we have an option for them, too.”
Ms Egan said over the years the EMAA had always done whatever it could to support local events and wanted to make sure it was well placed to continue.
“It’s networking in the sense of what laundry do you use? Where do you get this from? Where would I find who’s a good electrician? Do you know one? It’s all that sort of thing,” Ms Egan said.
“That’s all helpful for anyone that’s just new to town, especially in a business.
“Last year, (EMAA) supported Winter Blues for $5000, we supported Southern 80 for $5000 and we also supported Moama Lights for $5000. We fundraise and work hard so we can support those events. If those events don’t go ahead, then we haven’t got the great things that brings everyone.”
Mr Gilmour said the special part of Echuca was that its tourism went beyond just long weekends.
“Most other places run things on long weekends and bits and pieces and gain their numbers that way,” he said.
“We are getting great numbers here on the long weekends and then we gain great numbers on other weekends as well. So this is what makes the town so prosperous.”
Despite the changes that are happening within the region’s tourism industry, such as newly-created tourism roles within council and the relocation and possible end of a face-to-face visitor centre, Mr Gilmour said the EMAA would continue to persevere.
“We are not going anywhere and we will always be here working for the benefit of Echuca and Moama at all times,” he said.
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