Tweed Shire Council to operate a Council-led service from October 2026
At last week’s Tweed Shire Council meeting, Councillors voted to shift how it delivers its investment into tourism services through the Tweed Tourism Company, with Council transitioning to an internal model of tourism management from October 2026, for the region’s next chapter.
The announcement comes at the end of an eight-year contract between Tweed Shire Council and DR Tourism, which will continue until its completion on 30 September 2026.
The Tweed Tourism Company (TTC) is a Council-owned brand that has been delivering tourism services via the external contractor DR Tourism since 2018. The new integrated approach will maintain current levels of service and greater opportunities for alignment with existing Council services including economic development, business and industry support, events, CBD place-making and Council owned commercial tourism products.
DR Tourism would like to take this opportunity to thank Tweed Shire Council for the opportunity to work with the extraordinary community across The Tweed and we wish all our stakeholders the very best for a bright future ahead. DR Tourism is exceptionally proud of the success it has had in growing visitation to the region, sharing the stories behind our dedicated community and laying the groundwork for another dynamic chapter of growth for the visitor economy in the decade ahead.
The Tweed Tourism Team (Left to right): Sally Scott – General Manager, Greer Zunker – Marketing Manager, Amy Colli – Industry Engagement Manager, Danielle Andreuzzi – Director, Robbie Cornelius – Director, Glenn Powderly – Tourism Officer, Jennie Sanger – Tourism Officer
When DR Tourism was appointed to lead tourism management for The Tweed in 2018, the team were tasked with leading Councils tourism service through The Tweed Tourism Co – that would unite the local industry, strengthen destination marketing and development, and build a model recognised as best practice among regional tourism organisations across Australia. With the support of Tweed Shire Council, key stakeholders and its dedicated tourism community, the current Tweed Tourism Company team has not only achieved these goals but has gone on to exceed expectations. Despite the many challenges faced in the tourism industry in recent years, the Tweed Tourism Company is proud to have evolved into one of Australia’s leading destination management providers – earning consecutive Gold Awards for Tourism Marketing and Campaigns at both the New South Wales and Australian Tourism Awards over the past two years, and up for its third at this week’s NSW Tourism Awards.
TTC General Manager, Sally Scott says, the team are immensely proud of their achievements across the tenure and will continue this high standard for the year ahead until the contract’s completion. “It has been a privilege for DR Tourism to partner with Tweed Shire Council to build the Tweed Tourism Company and work alongside such a passionate and innovative tourism sector over the past seven years. Over the next 10 months, we will collaborate closely with Council to ensure a smooth and seamless transition of tourism services, and we look forward to seeing the next evolution of the Tweed tourism model, as they continue to build on the strong foundation we have created together.”
Mayor of Tweed Shire Council, Chris Cherry said that it was important to note that there would not be a reduction in tourism services or budget investment as a result of the decision. “I’d like to thank DR Tourism for the excellent work they have done as our partners over the last 7 years. This decision is not about their performance but instead signals Council’s desire to take a greater leadership role in shaping the sustainable future of tourism in The Tweed.”
Director of DR Tourism, Robbie Cornelius says “The Tweed Tourism Co team has been instrumental in shaping tourism in The Tweed and providing a comprehensive roadmap to guide tourism for the decade ahead. Northern NSW is a destination steeped with natural beauty, distinctive culture and flourishing culinary sector with a wealth of talent and inspiring stories. During our management, our team has played a key role in shining a deserving light on our operators and showcasing these stories. While this success has been a team effort, together with our operators, we have made substantial inroads to growing visitation, length of stay and expenditure. We are proud to have created a blueprint for success for tourism management services, and we look forward to seeing the region continue to thrive in the year ahead, and beyond.”
Key tourism initiatives including Savour The Tweed, Council’s signature food event will continue to be delivered and will take place in 2026. In addition, The Tweed Tourism Company will be maintained as a non-membership model, with optional industry packages for marketing and operator exposure. Council will also continue to outsource the specialised function of tourism media and public relations.
Further information and frequently asked questions are available on Council’s website: Tourism and visiting the Tweed | Tweed Shire Council
View Council’s Media Release about the decision: HERE
Media enquiries: Gabrielle Wilson | gwilson@thetweed.com.au | 0433 972 915
The Tweed Tourism Company is the official tourism development and destination marketing agency for The Tweed through a partnership with Tweed Shire Council.
DR Tourism is a boutique consultancy specialising in regional tourism development, offering expert services in marketing, trade distribution, strategic planning, experience-development and industry capacity building.