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Tourism guru to give public lecture at USC
A leading tourism scholar will reveal how the Sunshine Coast could benefit from having a managed portfolio of festivals and events during a public seminar at the University of the Sunshine Coast this week.
Professor Donald Getz of the University of Queensland’s School of Tourism will outline regional event tourism strategies that can create financial gains while ensuring social, economic and environmental sustainability.
His seminar on the topic “Regional Events Tourism Strategies – Portfolios and Populations” will be held at USC’s Lecture Theatre 7 from noon to 1pm on Thursday 6 October.
Media, representatives from tourism and planning organisations and local government, and USC staff and students are welcome to attend.
Professor Getz said it was important that every event in a region had a place in a managed portfolio, along with specified goals and an evaluation of return on investment.
“Both bid-upon and permanent events are important in the mix, and especially crucial, as is the development of one or more hallmark events that will be co-branded with the destination,” he said.
The seminar will be hosted by USC’s Faculty of Business in conjunction with the Sunshine Coast Council and Sunshine Coast Destination Ltd.
Professor Getz also will deliver an earlier address to USC students only about whether the Sunshine Coast needs a hallmark tourist event.
The renowned academic specialises in event studies and has undertaken extensive research, teaching and volunteer work across the globe.
He has written several books on event studies, event management, rural tourism, and special events tourism including food and wine tourism, culture and sports.
— Michelle Widdicombe