Getaway's Catriona Rowntree visits Far South Coast to promote 'paradise'

The long-time host of television's Getaway visited the region this week with the aim of sharing her travels with her 47,000 Instagram followers and encouraging tourists to return after the fires that took their toll on lives, businesses, property and land alike.

"I have made a vow; I'm only going to speak in positive terms because I feel how I can contribute is by encouraging my fellow travellers to be here," she told Australian Community Media while in Cobargo on Wednesday.

"We all wonder how to help; I think that's my platform."

Ms Rountree was Bega's Australia Day Ambassador in 2014 and has fond memories of the region, saying even though it has now been touched by flames it was still as "equally beautiful" as it was six years ago.

READ MORE: Catriona Rowntree stars at Bega Australia Day

"I've been working in the travelling industry, hosting Getaway, for about 24 years," she said.

"The bottom line is this is an absolutely gorgeous area for people to holiday in.

"People in the city yearn for a place they can switch off.

"Everything that happened over summer, in a sense, even if it hadn't happen I'd still passionately recommend this area for travellers because it's so damn gorgeous!"

She has been talking to local businesses while on her visit and said she believed they needed a combination of two things.

READ ALSO: NRL trial injects $4.7m into Bega Valley economy

"Firstly, empathy; to be heard, to listen to people's stories," she said.

"Secondly, for us to support them financially and emotionally."

Ms Rountree recommended Far South Coast businesses utilise social media to promote themselves and attract more customers, such as by posting photos on Instagram.

"I had to teach myself so you can too," she laughed.

Also, they could connect with the world online and become part of initiatives such as Buy From The Bush, Empty Esky or her own Journeys to Come.

Her advice for potential tourists to the region was "book your trip, get on the plane, get in a car, just come and shop local, share your positive stories via social media and support compassionately wherever your can".

Ms Rountree also had a message to share with the bushfire-hit Far South Coast community, which was "they are loved and supported".

READ ALSO: Supporting small business more important than ever

"I don't think we need to be political or overly emotional," she said.

"I just think people need to know they have our support and we're all trying to help in whatever way we can.

"They do live in paradise and you need to be proud of your heritage.

"Promote your unique qualities. There's nowhere else in the world like this."

Ms Rountree's visit was supported by TravelCard Travel Insurance. She visited the Batemans Bay, Mogo and Moruya regions on Tuesday before travelling to Bermagui, Cobargo and Merimbula on Wednesday.