Twenty-seven Cambodian government executives were briefed by Tourism Noosa chief executive officer Melanie Anderson at Noosa Springs Golf Club and Spa Resort on how Noosa and Cambodia tourism sectors can rebound post pandemic.
On Friday 20 May, Melanie provided valuable insights into digital marketing, visitor night forecasting by Queensland firm Localis and tailoring marketing campaigns seasonally.
Stewart Gow, leading the Cambodian delegation said, “Cambodia has much to learn from the sophisticated data tracking analysis utilised by Tourism Noosa and its success with sustainable tourism and the removal of plastics campaign.“
An offer was extended to Tourism Noosa for Melanie to visit Cambodia and address Women in Business Cambodia and the Ministry of Tourism to create linkages between these two world heritage regions.
Nicole McNaughton, Food Agribusiness Network, provided the delegates with her expertise in establishing fine food networks, overcoming challenges caused by Covid and use of Noosa’s world class fine foods in local tourism.
Stewart said delegates were amazed at the convivial cooperation, on a long term personal level, between government and non-government organisations to build tourism and regional development.
Chef Peter Kuruvita, owner of Alba Kuruvita, was presented with a traditional Cambodian handmade krama scarf by the delegates grateful for “the superb local cuisine and hospitality“.
Stewart asked Peter “Why can’t all chef’s cook like you“ to which Peter replied “you will have to return to Alba”.
The delegates walked off the fine fare along Noosa Main Beach and enjoyed shopping in Hastings Street, inspired by the beauty of Noosa Bay and how stakeholders have retained the natural environment.
In mid-June another 25 government executives from Thailand will visit Noosa, during Venture Downunder, to hear Hal Josephson (NZ) and Melanie discuss digital trends, then in July a Cambodian government mining delegation will attend the Noosa Mining Conference.
The Cambodian government delegations are sponsored by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade under the Mekong-Australia Partnership program which is delivered by Australia Awards Cambodia to build the capacity of the next generation of men and women leaders in the Mekong.
