A NEW, stronger tourism body could be at work in Oberon by the end of the year.
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But first there’s the matter of some unclaimed vouchers.
The Oberon Business Association’s “shop local vouchers” have been a big success, encouraging shoppers to spend their money in Oberon.
More than $300,000 has been spent on the vouchers in the past eight years, but there is still $14,599 worth of unclaimed vouchers in the community.
Those with the vouchers are being told now is the time to cash them in.
Discussions have been ongoing between the Oberon Business Association and Oberon Plateau Tourist Association and there are plans for a new entity to be formed in October/November 2014.
Oberon Business Association president Andrew Bird said the associations have a similar goal: to promote tourism.
“It makes sense to have the one entity as we can work towards getting Oberon’s name out there,” he said.
“Tourism is good for business in Oberon; the more visitors we have to town, the more local businesses benefit.
“It’s not only tourist operators and accommodation facilities that benefit – tourists support local coffee shops, eateries, supermarkets, petrol stations and tyre repairs.
“All members of both associations will be informed of the proposed merger.
“That’s why we want those unclaimed vouchers redeemed. We want to clear the books,” Mr Bird said.
“All shop local vouchers must be redeemed before the end of March 2015.
“After the proposed amalgamation of OBA and OPTA is complete we will have a new style of shop local voucher because the promotion has been such a success."
