By Melissa Coleman
A major tourism initiative by the Granite Belt Wine Tourism association was launched last Tuesday evening at Jamworks in Stanthorpe.
The Little Black Book (LBB) of tourist locations provides insightful and specific information for enthusiastic travellers.
President Martin Cooper, who also owns Ridgemill Estate with his wife Michelle, said 40 000 copies of the LBB were printed on its first run.
“We’re already looking to reprint in mid next year,” Mr Cooper said.
The 144-page booklet covers everything from fun facts to where to stay, attractions, events, places to enjoy a nice drop of wine or crafted beer, fine dining, tours and of course shopping.
Mr Cooper said now that things are getting back to normal, and people are looking at travelling overseas, we need to hold on to market shares, and so this initiative concept was conceived.
From conception to launch, the LBB took five months to implement.
“All the members from the Granite Belt Wine Tourism association were approached and given a chance to be involved to showcase their business,” Mr Cooper said.
“Sixty-seven members took up the opportunity, were profiled, and have a page or more in the book.”
Tourism peak season in the region is typically in the winter months however during the two-year pandemic tourism was a ‘disaster’.
“Our combined wines sales and accommodation for April 2020 were down 82 per cent on the previous year.”
“In May, sales were down 77 per cent,” he said.
However, once the Queensland Government lifted the 50 km travel restriction, tourists burst back into the region.
“There was such a pent-up demand to get out of the city, it was absolutely astonishing.”
“Since then, all the accommodation houses have been very busy, and four cellar doors had too close due to selling out of stock.
“The visitation to the region has been absolutely amazing and continues to be,” he said.
Mr Cooper believes that visitors from the east coast have had an awakening as they regularly travel to the region to sample everything the granite belt region has to offer.
“They don’t just come once, they keep coming back and that’s because we have over 40 winery cellar doors to visit, and there’s breweries, other local fine restaurants and cafes, and a beautiful national park.”
Locals from all over the Southern Downs support the region with frequent visits and ongoing support.
Another initiative a lot of businesses in the Granite Belt region have focused on after the pandemic and ensuing lockdowns is the boom in pet ownership.
The increasing need for pet-friendly holiday locations is climbing.
Café’s, accommodation houses and other regional businesses are now allowing pets to experience the Granite Belt Region as well.
However, furbabies not the only loveable four-legged creatures accompanying their humans on holiday.
“It’s a complete new market with a variety of animals like cockatiels and snakes!” Mr Cooper said.
Pet-friendly cabins and housing are regularly booking out in the region.
The Little Black Book is available at the Visitor Information Centre, and at all cellar doors and accommodation, restaurants, and wineries.
Social photos, page 15.
