Their ‘happy to help’ philosophy and love for all things local has seen Bundaberg awarded as the states Visitor Information Centre of the Year at the 2023 Queensland Information Centre Association Awards in Agnes Water this week.
The state awards recognise the accredited Visitor Information Centre (VIC) operations and are judged on a range of criteria including engagement with the broader industry, marketing, customer service and business operations. The judges commented on announcing the award at the gala event, that the Bundaberg Tourism submission was well ahead of the other entrants, scoring highly in all areas.
As an organisation that prides itself on supporting the tourism industry and delivering exceptional visitor services at every touch point, this accolade could not be a more fitting recognition to the hard work of the team of staff and volunteers, providing a friendly face and visitor services to the travellers walking through the VIC doors every day. Passionately sharing local knowledge and enthusiasm as they promote both the experiences and natural assets of the region – radiating the true Bundaberg spirit, creating genuine connections and leaving heartfelt lasting impressions with visitors to the Southern Great Barrier Reef.
Bundaberg Tourism CEO Katherine Reid shares that “the award celebrates and recognises the passion and dedication of our staff and volunteers in the Bundaberg VIC for operations, delivery of visitor information and in support of the surrounding tourism industry”.
Katherine pays tribute to the staff and volunteers “Starting with Bundaberg Tourism as a volunteer herself in 2017 to learn more about the tourism industry, our VIC Coordinator Louisa Hyland has worked her way up in the organisation to now be managing the staff and volunteers in the VICs, and ensuring the passionate delivery of visitor services, and supporting the industry across the region. We are so fortunate to have such dedication and enthusiasm working for the greater good of tourism in Bundaberg.”
In partnership with Bundaberg Regional Council, Bundaberg Tourism operates 2 accredited Visitor Information Centres across the region, in Bundaberg and Childers, as well as supporting the information hub in Gin Gin, as part of a broader destination management strategy including activities across destination marketing, publicity and sustainable product and experience development.
[Pictured: VIC Coordinator Louisa Hyland and CEO Katherine Reid at the Queensland Information Centre Association Awards.]
