'Accelerator' initiative to grow Riverina Tourism - The Daily Advertiser

Riverina tourism operators are set to receive a helping hand with a new business program recently granted more funding.

The 'Riverina Murray Tourism Accelerator' will receive $35,000 from the Federal Government's Building Better Regions Fund.

The program, by Regional Development Australia Riverina and Destination Riverina Murray, is based on RDA Riverina's 2017 business accelerator - a short, intensive program aimed at helping local business grow.

Borambola Wines owner and director Tim McMullen participated in last year's program and said the funding was positive for the local business and overall economy.

"A lot of tourism operators here are small businesses and you're in it the whole time so you don't get a lot of opportunities to step back see where you can grow," Mr McMullen said.

He encouraged all operators to consider participating in the tourism program once expressions of interest are opened, saying that the 2017 program was "enormously beneficial" for all participants.

"The big takeaway was having another set of eyes looking at your business.

"We had mentors who gave us good insight and ideas, as well as leaning more about funding and staffing," Mr McMullen said.

"We learnt a lot from each other as well.:"

RDA Riverina CEO Rachel Whiting said Destination Riverina Murray would match the Federal Government's funding.

"The funding announcement is very good news and will enable Destination Riverina Murray and RDA Riverina to partner and provide a great business-development tool for tourism businesses in the Riverina Murray region," Ms Whiting said.

"The program will enable tourism businesses to take the next step int heir growth and development," she said.

The program suits businesses such as accommodation, tours and attractions, wineries, breweries, artisan food producers, unique dining experiences, galleries and gardens.

It will be launched in November 2018 with engagement sessions to be held in Wagga, Albury and Griffith.

Businesses will be asked to express their interest in participating and a maximum of 10 businesses from across the region will be invited to go through the program.

GOOD FOR ECONOMY: Borambola Wines operator Tim McMullen says the funding to boost tourism in the Riverina will help the local economy.