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Glenn Burling, Leanne Abernethy and Cindy Tonks. Photo supplied: Leanne Abernethy
A commitment to helping visitors discover more of Queensland drove three Bowen Tourism and Business team members north this week for the annual Queensland Information Centre’s Association (QICA) conference.
Representatives from Visitor Information Centres across the state gathered in Cairns, Kuranda and Mareeba to share ideas, explore attractions and discuss how their centres can continue meeting travellers’ needs.
Held in a different Queensland location each year, the conference combines networking and professional development with opportunities to experience other regions firsthand.
Bowen Tourism and Business manager Leanne Abernethy said the annual gathering was always worthwhile, giving staff greater confidence when recommending destinations to visitors heading north.
“The annual conference provides attendees with a valuable platform to network and exchange knowledge with representatives from other regions, and it gives us the chance to learn from each other,” she said.
The Bowen team’s itinerary began in Cairns, with visits to Cairns Aquarium, Tombs of the Pharaohs and Skypark.
Delegates then travelled by scenic train to Kuranda, where the local Visitor Information Centre team welcomed them, before spending the final two days of the conference in Mareeba.
Alongside discovering attractions, the gathering provided time to discuss the changing role of visitor centres and the importance of keeping pace with technology.
“As a network, we know it is very valuable to connect with representatives from other regions and for our centres to evolve with the changes in technology to ensure we continue to meet the needs of our visitors,” Leanne said.
Leanne said personal connections remained central to helping travellers make the most of their holidays.
“Personalised visitor services provided via face-to-face services are so important to so many of our visitors and can lead to longer stays and an enriched experience for our guests.”
Bowen hosted the conference in 2019, welcoming the statewide visitor information network to its own region.
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