The finding was outlined in the Greater Port Macquarie Destination Management Plan (DMP) 2020-2024, which has been created to help inform future development and management of the visitor economy.

At the Port Macquarie-Hastings Council meeting on Wednesday, December 11, councillors voted to endorse an updated plan for public exhibition.

In voting for the decision, Cr Turner said consultation to put together the plan included everyone involved in the tourism sector.

Port Macquarie-Hastings Council engaged with 101 individuals and stakeholder groups during the development of the DMP.

Challenges for growth, according to the DMP, includes the potential lack of awareness for sub-regions' product offerings.

"There is high recognition and appeal of 'Port Macquarie' in the marketplace," the DMP states.

"One of the challenges for this destination is the lack of consumer research evaluating destination awareness and appeal levels for the sub regions of Camden Haven and Wauchope."

Ian Mobbs from Bago Maze and Winery attended the workshops and gave feedback to shape the DMP.

Mr Mobbs said council is doing a great job in terms of promoting the sub regions and their business continues to draw many visitors to the hinterland location.

The business was unaffected by the recent bushfires and has been busy during the summer holidays.

Meanwhile Damien Lay from Dunbogan Boatshed and Marina said the business remains extremely attractive to tourists, regardless of what's happening in the bigger hub of Port Macquarie.

Mr Lay said they run their own individual business model. They draw on social media to promote the beauty of the Camden Haven and attract people to the waterfront location.

The DMP also states a challenge for Port Macquarie-Hasting Council is managing the parochialism of the sub-regions within the destination footprint and the need by some sectors of the industry for council to, 'do it for them'.

According to the strategy, it represents a commitment by our community to work together, plan for our future and achieve great outcomes for our destination.

"The actions, priorities and outcomes identified cannot be achieved by a single entity such as the Port Macquarie-Hastings Council, but will be delivered through cooperation and collaboration by many active stakeholders in the local visitor economy," the DMP states.

Opportunities to grow visitation expenditure include promotion of events, the region's nature, water activities, adventure, product development, infrastructure and tourism routes.

Cr Turner said it's important members from the community put forward submissions to have their say on the plan.

The draft DMP is on public exhibition from Friday, December 13 until Friday, February 21.

For more information, to view the plan, or to provide feedback please visit https://haveyoursay.pmhc.nsw.gov.au/Draft-Destination-Management-Plan