Tatchell rains on indoor idea

Destination Tweed CEO Bill Tatchell believes Tweed can thrive on its natural beauty.

RECENT downpours on both sides of the border have split opinions from tourism gurus on how to manage bad weather events.

While Gold Coast Dreamtime Resorts operator Garry McKenzie is pushing for more indoor attractions, Destination Tweed CEO Bill Tatchell believes the Tweed thrives on its natural beauty and needn't be scared by a little rain.

Mr McKenzie said the latest storms inundating Queensland had drawn nationwide publicity and might have deterred domestic visitors.

"Everyone acknowledges the floods and cyclone in Queensland last year hurt our tourist reputation and it takes time to get back from that and the latest heavy weather event doesn't help our business," Mr McKenzie said.

"It's no secret weather can affect bookings which is why we need to expand the range of tourist activities here and factor in more indoor options."

But Mr Tatchell said it was unnecessary to start planning indoor infrastructure in an area known for its great outdoors.

"Being a nature based destination in the Green Cauldron, our experiences are on the beaches, on the water, in the national parks," Mr Tatchell said.

"It's our strength. You can't argue to invest on a lot of indoor infrastructure when it's not necessarily an area we want to compete in."