Tracey Valenzisi was speaking after claiming an Inland Tourism gong for her outstanding contribution to regional tourism.

Ms Valenzisi said one of the biggest impediments to tourism growth in the Riverina was operators acting in self-interest.

“There are some really good operators out there doing some really great things,” she said. 

“But then there are some people that say ‘I don’t want to work with that business because they are my competitor’, so we really do need to bring the industry together a bit more.”

Ms Valenzisi, who is also a Leeton Shire councillor, highlighted her biggest achievement as boosting the profile of regional tourism and making governments aware of its value.

However, she said one of the Riverina’s biggest drawcards – its status as Australia’s food bowl – was still undersold.

“Riverina Regional Tourism (RRT) has done a lot to promote agritourism, but there are still a few pockets and large commercial operators that can go further,” Ms Valenzisi said.

“That takes time and it takes dollars and that’s something that is scarce – the dollars – so it’s important the whole industry comes together.”

Last week, RRT chairman Greg Lawrence said it was up to farmers to realise that opening up their properties to tourists could be a “golden opportunity” if they had the time.

That, according to Ms Valenzisi, would add to experience-driven tourism – the idea that tourists need a range of rolling activities to keep them in the area and, importantly, spending money.

RRT chairman Greg Lawrence was confident they would escape a statewide review of tourism networks unscathed as industry speculation mounted that the review, initiated by Destination NSW, would see the closure of some networks.

“Our model is very good – and reviews are good as long as the terms of reference have been mapped out with no hidden agenda,” he said. “We have every indication this will reduce red tape.”