Why we should top tourist bucket lists
TOOWOOMBA’S tourism leaders have come out in support of the region following comments made by tourism bodies in Mackay.
Mackay Tourism general manager Tas Webber told the
Daily Mercury yesterday there was “simply not much to do down there in (Toowoomba)”.
“What do you do when you go to Toowoomba?,” he said.
“Toowoomba is a nice place but Mackay definitely tops the list.
“I don’t believe the Toowoomba region is in the same calibre as the Mackay region.”
Southern Queensland Country Tourism CEO MaryClare Power said there was a lot for people to do in Toowoomba.
“We’ve got the heritage, we’ve got the national parks, we’ve got the food, we also have the wine, which I think is a strong attraction,” she said.
“Toowoomba does have a wonderful night-life culture that is evolving with restaurants, bars, rooftop bars, laneways, cafes.”
Ms Power jokingly said she noticed Mackay had been bagging Toowoomba out over the weather.
“At least we have seasons and we get to enjoy them,” she said.
“It’s not just hot, hotter and steamier.”
Tourism Darling Downs, who were part of the Qantas Pilot Training Academy proposal, produced a video package for the bid.
CEO Ruth Wetmore said the video highlighted Toowoomba’s diversity, its attractiveness for young people and why it is a great place to live.
“We are a truly stunning region,” she said.
“We have exquisite natural beauty, we have country hospitality and a diversity of world-class experiences and assets – with four very distinct seasons.
“Toowoomba – we are beautiful one day, perfect the next.”
Toowoomba South MP David Janetzki said the entire Toowoomba and Darling Downs community would disagree with the sentiment there was nothing to do here.
“With USQ and the vibrant street art and food culture in the city, it’s increasingly a place where young people want to live,” he said.