Armidale Visitor Information Centre enjoys sharp increase in numbers

Attendances this year were already 30 per cent higher compared to 2017, up from 16,107 to 21,928, with the December visitor numbers still to add to the 2018 tally.

Visitor trends suggest another 3000 people would use the service in December. Armidale Regional Council mayor Simon Murray said it was a fantastic result for the centre’s management and team of volunteers.

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“Part of that increase has come from a greater number of people travelling to our region and seeking details on attractions and accommodation,” Cr Murray said.

“It’s a great indication of the region’s growing popularity as a tourism destination and an attractive stopover for people passing through the region.

“A series of major conferences in Armidale really added to this result and Council’s Economic Development & Marketing team have played a leading role in bringing these events to the area.”

Cr Murray said the centre had also experienced a rise in the number of Armidale region residents dropping in for assistance, or to purchase local produce.

“The VIC is increasingly becoming a source of information for locals looking to head to other destinations in northern NSW,” he said.

The numbers capped of a great year for the centre, which also picked up the award for Excellence in Customer Service at the Armidale Regional Business Awards in August.

News of the centre’s increased patronage emerged this week at an end-of-year briefing for the Armidale Regional Growth Committee. VIC Manager Katrina George told the forum that Queensland and NSW residents comprised a large majority of the tourists using the centre.

She said the VIC’s team of dedicated and highly informed volunteers were a major factor in the centre’s growing popularity.

The volunteers contribute more than 100 hours of service every week and were among the recipients of Certificates of Appreciation as part of local International Volunteers Day celebrations last week.