Eurobodalla Shire Council has launched a new campaign which urges the community to welcome visitors by encouraging them to stop, stay and spend in the shire this busy summer season.

Eurobodalla mayor and tourism advisory committee chair Lindsay Brown wants to see everyone in the community get behind the industry.

“Our tourism industry is vital to our economy, our lifestyle and environment,” he said.

“In the financial year ending June 2013, 1.26 million visitors spent $367 million in Eurobodalla.

“Businesses and people that receive income from this are all in tourism along with chambers of commerce, community groups, residents, government agencies and Council.

“This is why we say that tourism is everyone’s business in Eurobodalla.”

Cr Brown is encouraging the community to become tourism ambassadors by sharing their knowledge with visitors, friends and relatives.

“Now’s the perfect time to brush up on what brings visitors here every year so you can help them out,” he said.

“If you are a local business owner, now’s the time to make sure your staff have their best customer service hats on so this summer’s visitors want to come back.

“When the increased traffic annoys you, your favourite parking space at the beach is gone, your mobile phone and internet reception is a little slower or the supermarket queues are longer, please remember the benefits that a thriving tourism industry brings.”

Queanbeyan mother of three Eugenie Rhule gets to the Eurobodalla as often as she can, especially in summer, to visit family and enjoy the surroundings.

“It’s a great place to bring the family, because there is lots to do,” she said.

“There’s the beaches, cafes, outdoor entertainment, heaps of really good parks, and the Botanic Gardens are great.”

She believes the only thing that needs improvement for tourism is the Kings Highway.

“They could improve the safety, especially around the Clyde Mountain,” she said.