BnBs boost tourism
TOURISM in the Hinchinbrook has been given a “boutique boost” with the opening of two bed and breakfasts.
Villa Veron and Gowrie Getaway are the region’s newest tourist accommodation providers, offering travellers a unique Hinchinbrook experience.
Megan Lawlor said it was a lifelong dream come true opening Villa Veron, which has a distinctive 1920s vintage feel.
“We moved here as a family 15 years ago with the five kids. Now most of them have moved out we’re able to change the house into a bed and breakfast,” Ms Lawlor said. “There’s no reason why we couldn’t make Ingham a destination for bed and breakfasts. We have so much to offer in this town.
“There’s so much here that I think we take for granted when your holiday destination becomes your home, especially if people have been brought up here.”
Gowrie Getaway owner John Kangas said he had a team behind his business marketing that was promoting the region.
“All I’m trying to do is boost Hinchinbrook’s tourism,” Mr Kangas said. “I have always lived here and I thought let’s drag people to the Abergowrie.”
Mr Kangas’ business has enticed customers from all over the world in the six months it has been open..
“I’ve got a travel blogger who has just booked from America and we’re getting a really big interest in the property,” he said. “We’re also starting to market to China.”
Mr Kangas said Gowrie Getaway not only helped to boost tourism, but also gave local businesses a push in the right direction. “Before people even come out here, they have to buy their products like groceries in town, and we of course tell them to do this before they arrive, so their money is also going into the local community,” Mr Kangas said.
Chamber of Commerce president Mary Brown said any product that helped encourage tourists to visit the region was a positive.