The Greater Shepparton Visitor Centre has recorded a huge increase in Melbourne and Regional Victorian visitors to the region over the recent holiday season.
Compared to the previous year, the Centre saw a 92% increase in visitors from Melbourne Metro and 28% increase from Regional Victoria from 26 December 2020 to 17 January 2021, while COVID-19 restrictions saw interstate visitors drop by 70%.
Greater Shepparton Visitor Centre Manager, Maree Glasson said there was a noteworthy increase in extended family groups holidaying together, staying in all types of accommodation.
“Understandably, after having not been able to catch up through the lockdown period, it’s nice to see so many families holidaying in our region,” Ms Glasson said.
“General outdoor activities and fun, exciting things to do with kids were most popular. We met visitors who had enjoyed Kidstown, Aquamoves, the Moooving Art cows, many parks and playgrounds, walking trails, fishing, swimming and had visited our local farms for the unique Greater Shepparton farm gate experience.”
Due to previous COVID-19 restrictions in place, two thirds of the Visitor Centre volunteers were able to return to service from 11 January, after 10 months furlough. With many new offerings to the region, the volunteers were provided with training to refresh their knowledge of local businesses and attractions, as much has changed in the past 10 months.
“In the months of the COVID-19 lock-downs we’ve seen some terrific growth in what our region offers visitors”, said Visitor Centre volunteer of 10 years, Shane O’Keefe.
“There’s the Mount Major Walking Trail, some lovely new street art, an exciting broadening of the range of eateries available, and the revitalisation of many of our existing businesses. Although it has been a difficult time, there have been some very impressive developments.”
Mayor Kim O’Keeffe said the Visitor Centre team was an integral component of the region’s visitor economy.
“The team play a really critical role as an important and reliable source of information about our local area and tourism products,” Mayor O’Keeffe said.
The early months of 2021 will see the Greater Shepparton Visitor Centre commence the transition of its business to the new SAM building on Wyndham Street.