Everything you know and love about the Toowoomba Region is now in one location with the launch of the Visit Toowoomba Region website.
Speaking at the launch, Toowoomba Regional Council (TRC) Mayor Paul Antonio said the new website would be a major boost to the local economy.
"Prior to COVID-19 we had three million visitors coming to our Region each year," Mayor Antonio said.
"Since travel restrictions began to ease we've seen a major push for domestic travel and we need to take full advantage of the interest in Australians exploring their own backyard.
"When they choose to visit and spend money in our Region we want to make sure we maximise our exposure by showing them all the great things we have on offer.
"The Visit Toowoomba Region website will ensure we take full advantage of our marketing opportunities by creating an online platform which is a one-stop shop for anyone thinking of making a trip to our beautiful home."
The new website is an extension of what's on offer at the existing Visitor Information Centres in Millmerran, Hampton and Toowoomba which provide a personalised service and gives visitors tips from friendly knowledgeable locals. The website will complement this service by featuring material such as:
- Suggested drive itineraries
- Walking trails, parks and playgrounds
- Foodie inspiration
- A dedicated blog area
- Street art interactive map
- Accommodation listings.
TRC Environment and Community Committee Chair Cr James O'Shea said the website would be the online face of the Visitor Information Centres and allow Council to let the Toowoomba Region's tourism offerings shine in a way that met visitors' needs.
"Research indicates 80 per cent of travellers are looking and booking their holidays online. If this has become the preferred option for visitors then that's a space we need to be in," he said.
"The website will do this and offer intuitive, easy to find website content that allows visitors to source information throughout all stages of their journey - from dreaming about where to go, to planning, booking, experiencing and sharing trips with friends and family.
"We also believe the website will significantly improve the ability of large local events to link customers with information about where to stay and what to do while visiting the Region which will help increase local spend and the length of stay for visitors.
"Many visitors to the Toowoomba Region wish they had planned to stay longer after seeing everything we have to offer.
"At our Toowoomba Visitor Information Centre alone, a survey indicated 62 per cent of visitors changed their plans as a result of visiting their centre with 40 per cent of those doing different/additional activities, 12 per cent staying longer and 24 per cent planning a return trip.
"The Visit Toowoomba Region website will help them plan before they arrive, spending longer in our Region and further supporting our local businesses."
To explore the new site, visit www.visittoowoombaregion.com.au.
