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Mary Valley producers look at new tourism opportunities
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Producers and rural landholders interested in developing on-farm produce shops, a slow food guesthouse, permaculture and luxury eco camping were among those who attended two Mary Valley field days this week.
The Food Tourism Field Day and Agritourism and Nature-based Tourism Field Day were held as part of the Mary Valley Agritourism Project, a co-initiative of the Queensland Government, Tourism Queensland and Southern Cross University.
The days were run by Rose Wright, manager Extension and Industry Development at Southern Cross University’s School of Tourism and Hospitality Management.
More than 50 producers and rural landholders from throughout the region gained an insight into how farmers and rural landowners can diversify into agritourism, nature-based or food tourism.
“We were very pleased with the outcome. There was significant interest from producers to continue with the next stage of the project,” Ms Wright said.
“There are a variety of opportunities available, but it can be a hard road for an individual producer or rural landowner to do it on their own. For those who opt to continue with the program, we will go through and help them develop a business plan for their venture and ensure they have the right skills to succeed.
“We aim to deliver the project in a way that helps people turn their tourism business ideas into reality in a focused way, whilst developing clusters of experiences and products based on the strengths of the region.”
The project has already been successfully rolled out in Tropical North Queensland, and is under way in various other locations in Australia including the Long Paddock in New South Wales.
Ms Wright said there were still a few vacancies for the Business Development Program and sccessful applicants would be notified by mid-December. The program was anticipated to start in February.
For further information or to apply for the Business Development Program please contact the Tourism Extension Unit on (02) 6626 9431 or email tourism.extension@scu.edu.au.
Photo: From left, Jason Keating (Queensland Primary Industries and Fisheries), Rose Wright (SCU), John Sereni (Tourism Sunshine Coast/Tourism Queensland) and Robyn Rae (SCU).
The Food Tourism Field Day and Agritourism and Nature-based Tourism Field Day were held as part of the Mary Valley Agritourism Project, a co-initiative of the Queensland Government, Tourism Queensland and Southern Cross University.
The days were run by Rose Wright, manager Extension and Industry Development at Southern Cross University’s School of Tourism and Hospitality Management.
More than 50 producers and rural landholders from throughout the region gained an insight into how farmers and rural landowners can diversify into agritourism, nature-based or food tourism.
“We were very pleased with the outcome. There was significant interest from producers to continue with the next stage of the project,” Ms Wright said.
“There are a variety of opportunities available, but it can be a hard road for an individual producer or rural landowner to do it on their own. For those who opt to continue with the program, we will go through and help them develop a business plan for their venture and ensure they have the right skills to succeed.
“We aim to deliver the project in a way that helps people turn their tourism business ideas into reality in a focused way, whilst developing clusters of experiences and products based on the strengths of the region.”
The project has already been successfully rolled out in Tropical North Queensland, and is under way in various other locations in Australia including the Long Paddock in New South Wales.
Ms Wright said there were still a few vacancies for the Business Development Program and sccessful applicants would be notified by mid-December. The program was anticipated to start in February.
For further information or to apply for the Business Development Program please contact the Tourism Extension Unit on (02) 6626 9431 or email tourism.extension@scu.edu.au.
Photo: From left, Jason Keating (Queensland Primary Industries and Fisheries), Rose Wright (SCU), John Sereni (Tourism Sunshine Coast/Tourism Queensland) and Robyn Rae (SCU).