New tourist information centres opened in the Outback
The tourism season in Queensland’s Outback has begun with two new visitor information centres officially opened by Minister for Tourism, Manufacturing and Small Business Jan Jarratt.
(Media-Newswire.com) - The tourism season in Queensland’s Outback has begun with two new visitor information centres officially opened by Minister for Tourism, Manufacturing and Small Business Jan Jarratt.
Speaking at the opening of the Bedourie and Birdsville visitor information centres, Ms Jarratt said this winter is the perfect time to visit the Outback because it is teeming with wildlife and abundant fresh floral growth following the summer rains.
“There’s no better time to travel inland than during the cooler months to soak up the stunning landscapes, glorious starry nights, cultural history and fantastic hospitality of the west,” Ms Jarratt said.
“With the opening of new visitor information centres in Bedourie and Birdsville, locals are hoping for a bumper tourist season with thousands expected to head west to experience the Outback in its full, flourishing glory.
“As travellers drive off around the state on their annual touring holidays, we’re confident Queensland’s Outback will welcome an increasing number of visitors towards the end of this year’s season.
Ms Jarratt travelled with Mount Isa MP Betty Kiernan through Bedourie, Birdsville and Blackall.
Mrs Kiernan said the Outback’s new visitor information centres provided a great opportunity to draw attention to the region’s fantastic facilities and the wonderful staff and volunteers who provide an important service to the community.
“The Wirrarri Visitor Information Centre in Birdsville was originally constructed in 1998 and was recently extended to cater for the increasing number of visitors to the region,” she said.
“Not only does the centre provide the necessary travel information, it now boasts access to the internet, theatre vision and art from the region.
“The second centre in Bedourie sits on a wonderful historical site, once housed by the blacksmith who invented the famous Bedourie Camp Oven.”
Ms Jarratt said visitor information centres were at the frontline of Queensland’s $9.2 billion tourism industry and played a vital role in greeting and helping visitors from around the world.
“They can be the difference between visitors driving through a destination or deciding to stay overnight and book accommodation or a tour,” she said.
“Providing assistance for accommodation, activities, transport and offering visitors complimentary maps and brochures is only part of the service.
“Visitor information centres also provide a professional and friendly welcome mat to a destination and ensure the local community benefits down the line.”
There are currently 2000 Queenslanders working in the state’s 124 accredited visitor information centres, a network of centres that fan across the state from Cape York to Coolangatta and out to Birdsville and Bedourie.
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