On Thursday a group of tourism operators and visitor information centre workers explored the best the city has to offer, with a day long tour of  Warrnambool’s attractions, so that are become go-to ‘local experts’ as the peak holiday season is about to take off.

The city’s tourism brand is I AM WARRNAMBOOL and directional footpath stickers, signage and a digital campaign will be used to direct holiday makers to the city’s visitor information centre in person and online.  

Warrnambool City Council’s visitor economy manager David McMahon said the aim of the campaign was to educate locals and visitors that Warrnambool was the largest destination and the only city on the Great Ocean Road.

“With so much to offer from untouched nature to metro-quality attractions, the risk of holiday regret is real, particularly in the peak summer season,” he said.

“We realise that everyone is increasingly time poor, so rather than asking visitors to do hours of research needed to understand everything that this cosmopolitan city by the sea has to offer, we are urging summer holiday makers to talk to a local expert.” 

Mr McMahon said data from Tourism Research Australia revealed that after visiting a regional visitor information centre, visitors stayed longer, participated in extra activities and spent an additional $100 to $200. 

“By urging Warrnambool holiday makers to talk to one of the local experts at the visitor information centre, whether it’s in person, on the phone, or via Facebook messages, it will not only impact holiday satisfaction but the Warrnambool visitor economy as well,” he said.

He invited passionate locals to join the campaign and become a local expert. 

“Whether you’re on school holidays and looking to gain work experience or you’re semi-retired and looking to give back to the community, volunteering for I AM WARRNAMBOOL is a fun and rewarding experience,” he said.

Mr McMahon said it was a chance to learn valuable skills, meet people from all over the world, and give back to the Warrnambool community.

To become a local expert please send an expression of interest to fshvolunteering@warrnambool.vic.gov.au