2019 QICA Conference in Bowen a great success
Posted on October 23rd, 2019
Last week Kathi and Leanne, the Capricorn Coast Visitor Information Centre (VIC) supervisors, attended the QICA (Queensland Information Centre Assoc) conference held in Bowen with 65 delegates from across the state.
Over the very productive two full days, Kathi and Leanne gained valuable insight into managing our Visitor Information Centre to optimise the visitor experience, appreciating volunteers and the importance of Local, Australian and Overseas tourism visitor statistics collection.
Presenters included:
- Therese Philips, Tourism and Events Queensland (TEQ),
- Andrew Ellis, Fraser Coast VIC,
- Vanida Petts, Ipswich VIC – Google Street View Trekker
- Natassia Wheeler, CEO Tourism Whitsundays
- Mel Sands, Visit Queensland,
- Michelle Stafford, Volunteering Queensland,
- Karen Phillips and Kaitlyn Frawley, Bookeasy and
- Judy Porter, Leadership Specialist – Shiift
Following their informative sessions, Kathi and Leanne now have great new ideas for useful, practical and interesting approaches that can be implemented to benefit our destination.
The delegates enjoyed the sights of Bowen starting with a delightful and delicious fresh seafood lunch at Bird’s Fish Bar. This was followed by a bus tour which showcased where the film Australia was shot and Flagstone Hill with its 360 degree view over Bowen and the Whitsunday waters.
The two Bowen VIC staff shared their local knowledge of their region: from the area’s World War 2 history to the diversity of the food and crops grown and harvested on land and sea as well as local activities including the “Walk to the Lighthouse” annual event. The day culminated at Horseshoe Bay with attendees either choosing a snorkel over the coral reef within the bay or a climb to the lookout.
The QICA 2019 “VIC of the Year” awards and Gala Dinner ended the program on Thursday evening. Our congratulations to the category winners in the VIC of the Year Awards:
Local Government Julia Creek VIC
LTO / RTO Hervey Bay VIC
Volunteer Parkyns Hut, Tewantin
The 2020 QICA conference will be held at Miles in the Queensland Western Downs region.
