Have your say on Kiama's Visitor Economy Strategy
Published on 25 May 2026
Kiama is one of NSW’s favourite destinations and now there’s a clear plan to guide how the area grows, while protecting everything locals love about living here.
The draft Visitor Economy Strategy 2035 has been endorsed for public exhibition by Kiama Municipal Council, setting out a fresh vision for a vibrant, sustainable visitor economy that works for the community, environment and local businesses.
The draft is on public exhibition for 28 days from Monday 25 May until Monday 22 June 2026.
The Strategy brings together and updates Council’s long-term tourism blueprints into a single, contemporary framework to guide sustainable growth over the next decade.
The focus of the Strategy has been on striking the right balance between visitor economy benefits and the local lifestyle while aiming to spread visitation more evenly and reduce pressure on peak locations.
As well as supporting local businesses, events and cultural activity as key economic drivers, the Strategy prioritises growing a range of high-quality, diverse experiences to encourage longer visitor stays.
It identifies opportunities for smart infrastructure investment to benefit residents and tourists, improving access, easing pressure in peak periods and enhancing everyday local amenity, as well as other more specific visitor economy infrastructure, including accommodation and experiences.
More than 1.2 million visitors come to Kiama annually, contributing significantly to the local economy.
Community and industry voices have helped shape the draft, with consultation undertaken between May and August last year, alongside research and alignment with national, state and regional priorities. Further input into the draft remains critical as the Strategy is finalised.
Kiama Mayor Cameron McDonald said delivery of the Strategy would be supported through a combination of Council funding, as well as state and federal grants and partnerships.
“We’re lucky to live in a beautiful part of Australia with many tourist attractions so it’s essential we maximise the economic benefits that these offer while also ensuring we retain the character and lifestyle synonymous with Kiama and the surrounding villages,” he said.
Council’s Tourism and Economic Advisory Committee chair, Councillor Matt Brown said: “We’ve had a strong platform through the Tourism Opportunities Plan. This new Strategy is about stepping it up. It’s focused on new experiences, new investment and making Kiama a destination where people don’t just visit for the day, but stay, explore and come back again.”
What’s being explored
The draft Strategy outlines a range of ideas for consideration. These are not firm commitments, but opportunities for discussion. They include:
- Enhancing the Blowhole Point precinct, including improved viewing, interpretation and long-term planning
- Kiama Harbour activation, strengthening connections, vibrancy and support for marine operators
- Expanding high-quality accommodation options in suitable locations
- Exploring geotourism and soft adventure at Bombo Headland
- Elevating the Kiama Coast Walk into a multi-day signature experience
- Creating a more vibrant night-time and cultural economy
- Supporting Aboriginal-led visitor experiences guided by Traditional Owners
Have your say
To submit your feedback, visit the Your Say section of the Council website or meet Council’s tourism and community engagement staff at a pop-up session at Kiama Farmers’ Market on 3 June.
After the public exhibition period ends on 22 June, all feedback will be reviewed and any necessary changes will be made to the Strategy before it is reported to Council for adoption.
Photo: Kiama Blowhole by Belinda Doyle