Visitor information centres add value to South Australian tourism

A new study has revealed how South Australia's visitor information centres, and the staff who work in them, are increasing tourism income for local businesses.
Member for Kingston, Amanda Rishworth released the survey results at the recent opening of the new-look Gemtree Wetlands Ecotourism Walking Trail at McLaren Flat ï¾ which received $51,000 from the Australian Government's TQUAL Grants program.
Rishworth explained "the survey found 72% of visitors extended their stay as a result of what they saw or heard at an information centre.
"On average, visitors stayed around three nights longer in the local area, double that in other areas of the State ï¾ and they spent $181 more per adult.
"Even in a digital age, you cannot replace face-to-face contact - 97% preferred to speak to someone at the visitor centre.
"Indeed, nine out of ten visitors spoke directly to staff at the visitor information centre.
"Displays are useful, but not as useful as a personal recommendation from someone with local expertise."
Federal Minister Assisting on Tourism, Senator Nick Sherry, said the survey showed there was potential for the centres to generate even more value for local tourism operators, adding "a quarter of visitors surveyed were interested in products available for booking, but only 5% actually made bookings through the centres.
"This shows there is capacity for visitor information centres to extend their role beyond information-giving."
The survey was carried out by Tourism Research Australia and the South Australian Tourism Commission.
The visitor information centre study is at

http://www.ret.gov.au/tra