Collaboration is the key to sustained tourism growth in the Scenic Rim, a University of Queensland study has found.
The study, conducted by students from UQ’s School of Tourism, found that by working together, operators in the region could boost the number and variety of visitors to the Scenic Rim.
Eight students from the School of Tourism spent 10 days in the Scenic Rim in September and October working with local operators and the Scenic Rim Regional Council to identify packaging opportunities for the area.
The visit was part of the School’s Tourism Regional Internship Program.
The results of the students’ time in the region were presented at a workshop held at The Centre for Arts and Culture on October 16.
Those who attended the workshop heard there were many opportunities to attract tourist groups ranging from grey nomads and families to Generation Y and international visitors.
By packaging a range of experiences, operators could attract tourists for greater lengths of time and for repeat visits.
Student Shuk Au said tourism operators in the region could capitalise on visitor experiences by working together to tailor packages to lure people interested in adventure, farm stays, bird watching or heritage trails.
"Individual operators could create their own packages, or work together to create regional packages or itineraries to make visitors aware of what the region has to offer," Ms Au said.
School of Tourism Head Roy Ballantyne said the Tourism Regional Internship Program gave students access to practical situations through a program that also delivered benefits for the regions involved.
"The School prides itself on its proactive involvement with industry and we deliver a range of innovative work-integrated learning opportunities for our students," Professor Ballantyne said.
"It is crucial to provide opportunities for the exchange of knowledge between industry and the university."
Scenic Rim Regional Council Mayor John Brent said the program was the start of a whole new era of tourism in the region.
"We are delighted to have worked with UQ and Scenic Rim tourism operators," Cr Brent said.
Media: For more information phone Erik de Wit, School of Tourism Media Officer on 0417 088 772.
