Destination Sydney Surrounds South chairman Colin Waller said he will push for drastic change so that businesses can capitalise on the region’s tourism potential.

“A massive issue is how we do attract the international tourists?” 

“We’re not getting our share, they tend to stay in Sydney.

“Tourism as we knew it, where people wanted to snap a picture and take it home, it’s not as important, it’s more about meeting locals, we need to set up programs where tourists can meet locals.”

From October, the Albion Park airport will open its landing strip to visitors from Brisbane and Melbourne, and Mr Waller’s working to ensure Kiama benefits from this.

“With the great news that Jetgo’s on our doorstep, there are going to be 700 people a week coming and going within 20 minutes of Kiama,” he said.

“We can package things for niche markets, for instance, golfers; they could go and play in Kiama, Shellharbour, Gerringong and Jamberoo.”

Kiama Councillor Matt Brown, who organised the event, said it was an honour to have Mr Waller in town.

Cr Brown said Mr Waller’s vision will take time and energy to implement.

“Nothing that works well comes easily,” Kiama Cr Matt Brown said.

“Just like this function, it came together well, only after many, many hours of hard work.”