A DOWNHILL ride has been nominated by a consultant as the project most likely to transform tourism in Albury-Wodonga.
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Sydney company Stafford Strategy was commissioned by Albury and Wodonga councils to create a destination management plan to bolster visitor numbers.
The plan lists 35 projects worthy of consideration to foster tourism and the No.1 is having a major family attraction in the form of what the consultants call an “eco-coaster experience”.
Stafford then notes it could be a mountain coaster or a bobsled on a steel track, self-drive carts on a concrete track or a bobkart system on a fibreglass track.
“A eco-coaster development also creates the potential to offer additional value-added components including a mountain biking circuit and hub, areas for day and evening dining, spaces to allow for cultural seasonal experiences and to support various community-based recreation initiatives including being a base for cycling or walking trails,” the plan states.
The eco-coaster was given a score of 38, putting it well ahead of the next most desirable projects – a health and wellness spa retreat (32), higher quality holiday park (31) and Albury Entertainment Centre upgrades (28).
A signature triathlon and major food and wine festival are other ideas.
Both councils are taking submissions on the draft plan, which is on each city’s website, until November 12.
The tourism plan follows on from a Gateway Island masterplan commissioned by Wodonga Council which included a recommendation for glamping to attract overnight tourism to the buffer between the Twin Cities.
