Townsville North Queensland is one step closer to providing visitors an even bigger welcome after Townsville Enterprise was today handed the keys to a new Townsville highway Visitor Information Centre (VIC).
The VIC, made possible through the support of Lendlease, will be situated at the southern entrance to Townsville at Elliot Springs and anticipated to be fully operational by the end of February.
The new facility, manned by Townsville Enterprise Tourism Volunteers, will provide tour and accommodation booking services and regional information, as well as the addition of a virtual reality experience, locally made gift sales, free WIFI, a dedicated information area for the Museum of Underwater Art, a children’s play area, and plenty of parking.
Australia has 453 accredited Visitor Information Centres across the States and Territories, servicing 13.5 million visitors annually (or over 37,000 visitors daily) and play a major role for the nation’s tourism industry.
Townsville Enterprise Director – Tourism & Events, Lisa Woolfe said an effective Visitor Information Centre inbound to Townsville is a key component of the success of the region’s tourism industry and overall visitor experience the region provides.
“The centre’s strategic location on the southern entrance to the city is vitally important as 75% of our region’s visitation is made up of the drive market,” said Ms Woolfe.
“Visitor Information Centres are a fundamental piece of the tourism puzzle, providing an important touch point for visitors and inspiration for travellers to extend their stay and increase expenditure whilst in region.
“Our Tourism Volunteers provide a pivotal service to the local tourism industry and it’s imperative to have an appropriate shopfront to facilitate those efforts.
“This larger facility also means we require an even bigger army of volunteers and we encourage any member of the Townsville North Queensland community passionate about this piece of paradise we call home to apply.”
Townsville Deputy Mayor and local councillor, Les Walker, said establishing a Visitor Information Centre at Elliot Springs was an ideal choice.
“Townsville has so much to offer tourists including The Strand, Magnetic Island, the Great Barrier Reef, Castle Hill, the museum and ReefHQ, just to name a few,” Cr Walker said.
“We want every visitor to our city to be armed with information and advice about the many tourist attractions available to them so they can get the most out of their visit.
“Having a Visitor Information Centre at Elliot Springs will ensure tourists approaching our city from the south can access that information and get advice from the tourism volunteers about the best things to do and see.”
Elliot Springs Development Director, Simon Walker said the Visitor Information Centre represents a broader placemaking methodology in action.
“Being able to integrate diverse offerings builds on what the local community and visitors want. We’re looking forward to welcoming a facility where visitors can find out more about Elliot Springs and the region,” said Mr Walker.
“It’s wonderful to be able to support the local tourism industry by working with like-minded organisations that promote growth and generate economic prosperity.”
Local artists interested in being considered to showcase their products in the new centre and for volunteer enquiries, call Townsville Enterprise on (07) 4726 2739.
