{"id":216864,"date":"2018-08-30T14:52:03","date_gmt":"2018-08-30T04:52:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/southburnett.com.au\/news2\/?p=216864"},"modified":"2020-09-23T17:00:12","modified_gmt":"2020-09-23T07:00:12","slug":"council-maps-future-of-vics","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/southburnett.com.au\/news2\/2018\/08\/30\/council-maps-future-of-vics\/","title":{"rendered":"Council Maps Future Of VICs"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"\"<\/a>
Cr Danita Potter … study investigating how VICs can evolve<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

August 30, 2018<\/strong><\/p>\n

The South Burnett Regional Council says it is committed to the future of Visitor Information Centres (VICs) in the region despite a drop in numbers over the past 10 years.<\/p>\n

The Council currently operates – and fully funds – five accredited VICs in the region in Blackbutt, Nanango, Kingaroy, Wondai and Murgon.<\/p>\n

These centres rely heavily on volunteers who are supported by Council staff.<\/p>\n

On Thursday, the Council announced it will undertake a “Future of the VICs” study to develop a clear plan ahead for tourism services in the South Burnett.<\/strong><\/p>\n

“The study will focus on a range of research topics and will use case study examples from other locations or local history to inform a Discussion Paper,” the Council said.<\/p>\n

“Open consultation with volunteers, industry and Council will be undertaken on strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats and gaps, to develop an information direction for the VICs.”<\/p>\n

The Council said the Visitor Information Centres played a valuable role in local tourism.<\/p>\n

But in recent years, VICs have been under the spotlight as the tourism sector experienced shifts in consumer behaviour.<\/p>\n

“The wider tourism industry has witnessed the closure or redevelopment of VICs, and the implementation of alternative methods for provision of information to visitors,” the Council said.<\/p>\n

“The South Burnett is not immune to these changes, with a decrease in visitors through the VIC network in comparison to 10 years ago.<\/strong><\/p>\n

“The use of the internet for searching, selecting and booking travel is influencing this consumer behaviour shift.<\/p>\n

“This activity is increasing and is potentially educating tourists about accommodation options, places to visit and things to do.<\/p>\n

“In this changing environment, the South Burnett\u2019s network of VICs still has a vital role to play in providing local information, local products and local knowledge.”<\/p>\n

Tourism portfolio chair Cr Danita Potter said the study would try to determine how the region’s VICs can evolve to foster regional tourism and economic growth.<\/p>\n

South Burnett Regional Council said it would “continue to work with all stakeholders and volunteers to continue to promote the VICs”.<\/p>\n