THE Gateway to Gannawarra Visitor Centre at Cohuna continues to be operating extremely well, Gannawarra Shire Council strategic development director, Chris White said.
He told council at its June meeting that visitor numbers had increased significantly during the past six months.
Compared with 2015, there have been significant increases in all months this year, including a 76 per cent increase in January and a 135 per cent increase in May.
“These increases are attributable to a variety of reasons but are primarily due to the enhanced awareness of Gateway among the travelling visitor market,” Mr White said.
“The collation of statistics and data. for example, website hits, RV [recreation vehicle] nights, accommodation levels and visitor enquiries, has been improved and this is assisting in strategic decision making.”
Mr White said that the provision of RV-friendly facilities is seeing towns recognised as ideal stopping places and rest areas through word of mouth and exposure via Wiki Camps and electronic media. The overall increase in visitor numbers is also mirrored by increases in RV camping, accommodation statistics and website hits.
New office works are under way at Gateway, which will provide a larger dedicated workspace for staff and volunteers resulting in greater efficiencies and work output.
This space will also provide the opportunity for the tourism officer and other council staff to be based periodically at Gateway, providing an enhanced range of services to the community and visitors.
The internal displays have recently been upgraded and a variety of new marketing materials developed.
Mr White said that these include a new touring map, events guide, forest and wetland promotions board, dairy promotions board, new flags and banners and an expansion of the local products. Recently, Gateway has assisted with marketing and promotion of the Show and Shine at Kerang.
“And regular contact is made with groups such as hiking clubs and mountain bike clubs and any outdoor recreation groups,” he said.
Mr White said that current data clearly shows the sustained success of Gateway and also highlights the growing strength of the tourism market across the shire.
