Toowoomba Regional Council launches new website to attract tourists to stay longer across region

In a bid to attract domestic tourists to stay longer, the Toowoomba Regional Council has launched a new website.

The Toowoomba Regional Council has launched a new website to help attract more tourists to the region.

A new website showcasing the natural beauty and attractions of the Toowoomba region has been launched by the council, with the aim of keeping tourists in the area for longer periods.

Toowoomba mayor Paul Antonio said the new website, called Visit Toowoomba Region, would be a major boost to the economy.

“Prior to COVID-19 we had three million visitors coming to our region each year,” Cr Antonio said.

“Since travel restrictions began to ease, we’ve seen a major push for domestic travel and we need to take full advantage of the interest in Australians exploring their own backyard.

“When they choose to visit and spend money in our region, we want to make sure we maximise our exposure by showing them all the great things we have on offer.

“The Visit Toowoomba Region website will ensure we take full advantage of our marketing opportunities by creating an online platform which is a one-stop shop for anyone thinking of making a trip to our beautiful home.”

The new website is an extension of what’s on offer at the existing visitor centres in Millmerran, Hampton and Toowoomba, which provide a personalised service and gives visitors tips from locals.

The website will complement this service by featuring material such as suggested drive itineraries, walking trails, parks and playgrounds, foodie inspiration, a dedicated blog area, and street art interactive map and accommodation listings.

TRC environment and community chair Cr James O’Shea said the website would be the online face of the visitor information centres and allow the council to let the region’s tourism offerings shine in a way that met visitors’ needs.

“Research indicates 80 per cent of travellers are looking and booking their holidays online. If this has become the preferred option for visitors then that’s a space we need to be in,” he said.

“The website will do this and offer intuitive, easy to find website content that allows visitors to source information throughout all stages of their journey – from dreaming about where to go, to planning, booking, experiencing and sharing trips with friends and family.

“We also believe the website will significantly improve the ability of large local events to link customers with information about where to stay and what to do while visiting the region which will help increase local spend and the length of stay for visitors.

“Many visitors to the region wish they had planned to stay longer after seeing everything we have to offer.

“At our Toowoomba visitor centre alone, a survey indicated 62 per cent of visitors changed their plans as a result of visiting their centre with 40 per cent of those doing additional activities, 12 per cent staying longer and 24 per cent planning a return trip.”

To explore the new site, visit www.visittoowoombaregion.com.au.