Destination Riverina Murray new general manager hopeful for post-COVID-19 boom

Yvette Myhill has joined Destination Riverina Murray as its new general manager, and has already "hit the ground running" with big plans ahead.

"I'm based in Barham on the Murray River, but I actually grew up between Temora and Bland so I have a real passion for the Riverina region," she said.

"I feel like this is the perfect role for me."

Bringing numerous decades of experience in events and arts, Ms Myhill said she's jumped into the role by travelling around and meeting with local tourism operators.

"We had a series of Destination Inspiration events over last week and this week, travelling to Mildura, Moama, Albury and now Griffith and Wagga," she said.

"It has given tourism operators within the local councils a chance to hear other success stories to inspire their own ideas."

Not only will businesses get inspiration, but 15 tourism operators will have the opportunity to be mentored under a new program.

"We've had a huge demand so it will be quite competitive, but ultimately it will help take their ideas to a reality," Ms Myhill said.

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While businesses in tourism had been hit hard through the pandemic, Ms Myhill said there was hope on the horizon.

"Because a lot of people living in cities can't travel overseas at the moment, we're actually seeing an increase in tourism here in the Riverina," she said.

"These people are coming to the regions and booking accommodation, eating out and seeking new experiences, so now they have the appetite for it, there's hope they'll keep coming back and wanting more."

Ms Myhill said it was the region's variety that had the most appeal.

"Our area stretches from Wentworth and Mildura ... to the Snowy Valleys. There's just so much variety within that area," she said.

"So to get people here and whet their appetite is such an amazing opportunity."

Further support was also on the way for tourism operators, with the NSW Government's offer of $3 million in funding under the Refresh and Renew fund and Enhancement fund.

"We're also about to start reviewing our Destination Management Plans, so that will mean working with tourism providers and local governments to make a three-year plan to get visitors to region," Ms Myhill said.

"We are about to start stakeholder engagement so we will be on the ground quite a bit over next eight to 12 weeks."

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