tourism chief launches new guide

Chief Executive of Tourism Victoria, Greg Hywood, officially launched the new look Northern Grampians Official Visitors’ Guide at the Grampians Pioneer Cottages on Friday 7 December, 2007.

The Guide is a joint initiative between the Ararat Rural City, Horsham Rural City and Northern Grampians municipalities to help local businesses achieve more exposure with tourists, and provide visitors with a ‘whole-of-region’ information resource.

Designed by DOJO Design of Ararat, the Guide merges the former Halls Gap, Stawell and Ararat Official Visitors’ Guide with the Horsham, Mount Arapiles, Natimuk and Wartook Valley Official Visitors’ Guide.

Shannon DiLisio, Manager Tourism at Ararat Rural City Council said the endorsement of the Guide from Tourism Victoria was invaluable.

“We were thrilled to have Mr Hywood come out to the Grampians to officially launch the revamped publication,” she said.

Northern Grampians Shire Council’s Marketing and Events Coordinator, Paula Rathgeber, and Horsham Rural City Council’s Promotions Manager/Major Events Coordinator Chris McClure thanked the businesses who supported the initiative.

“This bumper Guide will greatly raise awareness of the amazing attractions, accommodation and retail opportunities that the northern part of the Grampians region offers,” said Ms Rathgeber.

The Northern Grampians Official Visitors’ Guide is being distributed to Visitor Information Centres in Victoria (and some in South Australia), Melbourne Airport, and Federation Square. Local councils will also distribute the Guide at several major Victorian and interstate tourism trade shows and expos during 2008.