2021-02-09 S&O Agenda - Item 11 - Attachment 1 - Tourism Noosa Annual Report 2019-20

HIGHLIGHTS




     R E VA M P F O R N O O S A V I S I T O R
     I N F O R M AT I O N C E N T R E

     The launch of the revamped Noosa Visitor Information          A free water refill station
     Centre in Hastings Street heralded a new era for visitor      was installed outside
     services. From the exterior mural that acknowledges           the centre in partnership
     Noosa’s surfing culture as the 10th World Surfing             with Unitywater, Noosa
     Reserve, to the indigenous wall mural inside that             Council and Tourism
     showcases the Kabi Kabi’s dreamtime story, and                Noosa. This water
     the warm welcome of the team of volunteers, the               fountain is part of the
     refurbished centre offers unique local insights and           global O Initiative project
     inspiration.                                                  to help reduce single-use
                                                                   plastic water bottle waste. We engaged local
     Members’ brochures and Noosa products are
                                                                   indigenous artist Bianca Beetson to paint the water
     also showcased, and high-impact advertising
                                                                   fountain in a striking design to depict the vibrant life
     opportunities are available for members.
                                                                   of Hastings Street and the beach precinct.

                                                                   Through a partnership with Boomerang Bags Noosa
                                                                   (part of a global movement to replace single-use plastic
                                                                   bags), volunteer uniforms were recycled to make reusable
                                                                   bags which are sold in the centre. Funds from sales went
                                                                   towards an annual clean-up of the Noosa River with
                                                                   Ocean Crusaders.

                                                                   The centre adapted its operations to re-open under
                                                                   COVID Safe practices to protect visitors, staff and
                                                                   volunteers.

                                                                   Tewantin’s Parkyn Hut Information Centre which is
                                                                   supported by Tourism Noosa won the Queensland
                                                                   Information Centre Association award for the best
                                                                   visitor centre operated by volunteers.




                                                                   M E M B E R S H I P CO N T I N U E S TO G R OW

                                                                   Membership numbers increased 5% on the previous
                                                                   year, reaching a record 692 members, representing
                                                                   a broad cross-section of the tourism industry and
                                                                   support services in Noosa and surrounds. To help the
                                                                   industry during COVID-19, we announced that base
                                                                   membership fees for the coming financial year would
                                                                   be waived.




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