Industry delegates from as far as Julia Creek, Kuranda, Gladstone, Charters Towers, Bowen and the Fraser Coast have converged on the Moreton Bay Region this week as part of the 2017 Queensland Information Centres Association (QICA) Conference.
The Moreton Bay Region beat out a host of other destinations to secure the prestigious conference, which officially welcomed delegates to the region on Tuesday, 3 October.
Running until 6 October, the conference consists of regional tours and experiences, a two-day plenary and the QICA Annual Visitor Information Centre (VIC) of the Year Awards presented by Hon Yvette D'Ath MP.
The contributions by VIC volunteers will also be acknowledged at the awards dinner on Thursday, 5 October at Redcliffe Leagues Club.
Moreton Bay Region Industry & Tourism (MBRIT) CEO Shane Newcombe said that the conference will bring a welcome boost to the region’s accommodation providers, tourism operators, local cafes, restaurants and small businesses.
“The conference provides an opportunity to showcase our attractions, facilities and tourism products to delegates that work as the frontline of tourism throughout Queensland,” Mr Newcombe said.
Regional tours include a trip to Bribie Island and Sandstone Point Hotel, where guests can enjoy waterfront views and mouth-watering seafood.
The best of the hinterland will be highlighted with a visit to Petrie and Dayboro, including lunch and a wine tour at Ocean View Estates and a stop-over at Old Petrie Town.
A tour of Samford and Redcliffe will comprise lunch at Eatons Hill Hotel and a visit to the Farmers Markets at Samford, followed by a walk along the world-famous Bee Gees Way and dinner at Rustic Olive Restaurant.
The conference, hosted at Redcliffe’s Mon Komo Hotel, also includes presentations by top national and international speakers.
These include Rick Hamilton, Group Executive of Destinations and Global Partnerships at Tourism and Events Queensland; rugby league legend, Mat Rogers; Rebecca Hall, Executive Director, International Education and Training, Trade and Investment Queensland; and Jenn Bartlett, a manager of Community and Visitor Services in the Department of National Parks, Sport and Racing.
Moreton Bay Region has a long-standing commitment to the tourism industry, boasting the largest network of VICs in Queensland, with eight accredited through Tourism and Events Queensland, in addition to a fully-fitted, mobile VIC. Last year, the Moreton Bay Region took out top honours for the ‘Most Outstanding Contribution by a Volunteer Group’ in Queensland at the 2016 Queensland Tourism Awards – testament to the efforts of local tourism and event volunteers.