Interesting Regional Tourism News…

The following articles in Victoria’s Wellington Shire tourism newsletter caught my eye…

TOURISM CANDIDATES FOR LOCAL GOVERNMENT – HAVE A GO !
One of the great challenges confronting tourism in Victoria is the general lack of understanding and awareness by local government Councillors of tourism and its significance to their municipalities. This is hampering informed decision making concerning investment in jobs, training, marketing and vital infrastructure, as well as the failure to attract investment (or in some cases event to engage investors). Many councils experience heavy turnover following elections with the resultant loss of much built up tourism knowledge and political momentum.

Local government elections are occurring this November. Tourism Alliance strongly encourages its members to give serious consideration to running for their Council, or perhaps to nominate a suitably capable representative of tourism. For more information about running for Council, see the following website: www.standforcouncil.com.au

If you are interested in running for local council, we’d like to hear from you! Get in contact with the office on (03) 89650 8399 or email anthony@tourismalliance.com.au

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VICTORIA’S NATIONAL LANDSCAPES
At the recent Australian Tourism Exchange in Perth Tourism Australia launched the significant National Landscapes initiative.

Significantly three of Victoria’s regions feature including the wilderness coast of East Gippsland, our Alpine National Park and the Great Ocean Road.

This project will be an opportunity for these regions of Victoria to be represented in Tourism Australia marketing programs in both the domestic and international markets.

While the exact output from Tourism Australia is still under negotiation, the benefits for the regions will include the development of a National Landscapes website which will run concurrently with strategic public relations activity.

For further information on the National Landscapes initiative visit http://www.ateonline.com.au/NationalLandscapesFactSheets

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HOW DOES YOUR WEBSITE SHAPE UP?
Businesses in any doubt about the importance of an appealing, informative website should check out the latest data on how international tourists research and book their holidays to Victoria.

Tourism Research Australia’s latest International Visitor Survey reveals that:

• In 2007, almost 70% of international leisure visitors to Victoria used the internet for information, and over 40% booked at least part of their travel online.
• The internet was the leading source of information for international tourists in 2007, followed by word of mouth from friends/relatives who either live in, or have visited Australia.
• Other major information sources (in descending order) were: travel agents, travel books, knowledge from past visits, the electronic and print media and tour operators.
• The internet plays a strong informational (rather than motivational) role, with only 12% of international tourists in 2007 having used the internet to help decide whether or not to visit Australia. 55% used the internet for general information after deciding to visit Australia, as well as to plan their itineraries, air travel, accommodation and activities.

For more statistics on visitors to Victoria go to Tourism Victoria’s website and click on the Facts and Figures section. www.tourismvictoria.com.au

Useful info for lots of tourism regions…yes?