Volunteers Vital to New Tourism Strategy

Mackay Tourism is actively looking for volunteers who are passionate about representing The Mackay Region and helping visitors maximise their experience in the region. The volunteer drive comes ahead of several exciting developments that are set to boost tourism in the region.

Volunteers are being recruited to represent our region at the Mackay Visitor Information Centre, the new Mackay Region Visitor Information Centre based in Sarina, and the Mobile Visitor Information Centre. Each opportunity gives volunteers the chance to share their love and knowledge of the region to visitors from across Queensland, Australia and the world.

Volunteering with Mackay Tourism is a wonderful opportunity to meet people and demonstrate your passion for our region.

Mackay Visitor Information Centre volunteer Edna Beutel, who has been helping visitors for two years, feels great pride in representing The Mackay Region. “Every time someone comes into the Visitor Information Centre, they are looking for that next great adventure. It’s very rewarding to help visitors make their stay in The Mackay Region a memorable one.”

Mrs Beutel continued “I’ve met so many interesting people volunteering at the Visitor Information Centre. Seeing the look of excitement on visitors faces when I inform them of one our local attractions, or share with them some local knowledge, always brings me great joy.

This volunteer drive comes at an exciting time for tourism in The Mackay Region, with strong growth in visitation numbers necessitating the expansion of visitor information services. General Manager for Mackay Tourism Tas Webber, explained what visitor information services were being made available for visitors and where volunteers were needed.

“With completion of the Mackay Ring Road expected in early 2020, Mackay Tourism, in partnership with Mackay Regional Council has taken the incentive in constructing a new Visitor Information Centre, located in Sarina to tap into the sizable drive market heading north along the Bruce Highway”

Mr. Webber recognised that without a presence in Sarina, thousands of visitors would potentially be bypassing Mackay by taking the Ring Road, and never know the hidden gem they were missing out on.

“The new Mackay Region Visitor Information Centre based in Sarina, will one of the most technologically advanced and modern information centers in Australia. The new Visitor Information Centre will feature touch tables, interactive displays and storytelling, all designed to encourage travelers heading north to continue through to Mackay, as well as increasing their length of stay in the region” said Mr Webber.

The Mackay Visitor Information Centre, located on Nebo Road will continue to operate as a non-accredited visitor information centre, meaning it would continue to provide information to visitors, however booking and merchandise services would cease.

Mr Webber emphasised the importance of maintaining visitor information services in Mackay, “The Mackay Visitor Information Centre is vital for the Visiting Friends and Relatives (VFR) market, corporate travelers and major event visitation. We will always maintain a Visitor Information Center in Mackay and we are exploring locations nearer to the city, such as the Bluewater Lagoon, to be closer to where visitors are likely to be looking for information on Mackay”.

The Mobile Visitor Information Centre is also in need of volunteers. Mr Webber said the Mobile Visitor Information Centre is very successful in informing visitors at major events, and importantly raises the profile of tourism in our region.

“The Mobile VIC has played an important role in supporting events across our region. Just last weekend the Mobile VIC was providing information to, and promoting our regions tourism industry to visitors at the St Lawrence Wetlands Weekend. Volunteering at the Mobile VIC is a great way to inform visitors to our region and get free entry to many exciting events.”

For more information on volunteering at any of the Mackay Tourism’s Visitor Information Centres please contact the Mackay Visitor Information Centre on 4944 5888 or visit www.mackayregion.com/corporate/work-with-us.

Contact: 

Daniel Brown - Communications Officer

0448 994 180

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Published: 11 June, 2018

 

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