The program will see 200,000 new Destination Visitor guides distributed in order to promote the region as a great place for visitors, events and new residents.

Dubbo mayor Ben Shields said the guides deliberately promoted Dubbo, Wellington and the villages as one complementary region, as well as marketing the appeal of nearby regions of Narromine, Warren, Gilgandra and the Warrumbungles.

“Dubbo couldn’t and shouldn’t go it alone when it comes to attracting visitors,” Councillor Shields said. “You need to visit western NSW in its entirety to get the best tourism experience.”

Almost 200 businesses including tourist attractions, restaurants, retail outlets, hotels and motels have joined the partnership program and feature in the new suite of guides for visitors, event organisers and new residents.

They will be further promoted through a range of marketing initiatives, including on social media.

Council’s manager economic development and marketing Josie Howard said the guides were “truly regional”.

“You can see them in VICs (visitor information centres) all over the country but particularly in those destination markets around Newcastle, Canberra, Sydney … to try and get people not just to come but also stay a little longer,” Ms Howard said. “Dubbo does offer a great anchor to the rest of the region … working in partnership with them is a natural fit and we’ve all got the same goals.”

Copies of the guides are available at Dubbo and Wellington Visitor Information centres, and online at www.dubbo.com.au and www.visitwellington.com.au