Tourism infrastructure the next step for events calendar
WHAT a beautiful time it is in September in Toowoomba.
Hats off to the council again for organising another fantastic Carnival of Flowers.
I would also like to acknowledge our region’s gardeners for allowing us to showcase our fantastic city through The Chronicle Garden Competition, as well as the TRC gardeners who have done a magnificent job, as they always do.
The Carnival of Flowers is our major showcase event for the region, and it is unique because our gardeners, hoteliers and restauranteurs all become our salespeople – and what a cracking job you do.
I am never prouder then in September when the flowers are in bloom, the parks and gardens are full, and visitors to the region get to experience what we know to be the best darn place to live and raise a family.
Did anyone else notice the influx of international visitors we had exploring our gardens during the carnival? How good is that!
They will now go home thinking about us as a holiday destination, as destinations for their children to contemplate international studies, and of course, maybe even pursue investment and export opportunities.
Those outside Toowoomba are starting to understand what we have to offer.
That’s perhaps one reason why we have one of the lowest unemployment rates in the country, as businesses and families are attracted to the region.
But tourism events like the Carnival of Flowers are critically important to get our message out about what we have to offer.
That’s one of the reasons Toowoomba and Surat Basin Enterprise is calling for better tourism infrastructure.
Projects like the Railway Parklands development, Quarry Gardens, the Motorsports facility, the Convention Centre, walking trails and bike tracks, and of course a masterplan for Picnic Point are all things we believe are important to make Toowoomba a year-round visitor destination.
What is your vision for tourism in Toowoomba?
I would love to hear your thoughts on our great city.