The Bundaberg Visitor Information Centre (VIC), managed by Bundaberg Tourism, has gained funding to install a Virtual Reality experience.
The Bundaberg VIC will be one of 11 Visitor Information Centres across the state to launch this new Virtual Reality experience for visitors, with funding received under the State Government's Outback Tourism Infrastructure Fund.
A Virtual Reality (VR) experience provides an opportunity for visitors to visualise spectacular sights and experiences in the region through specially created headsets in the Visitor Information Centre.
The Virtual Reality installation in the Visitor Information Centres aims to extend the length of stay in the region for visitors, with the hope that the visitor might book experiences after seeing it through the virtual reality headset.
The installation also invites visitors to enjoy an experience they might otherwise be unable to, for example visiting the Southern Great Barrier Reef.
Bundaberg Tourism's chief executive Katherine Reid said it will add to the visitor experience.
“This is a wonderful opportunity for our Visitor Information Centre to use technology to immerse people in the extraordinary environments of our region, to hopefully entice a visitor to stay longer, spend more money in our economy and explore more of what we have to offer,” Katherine said.
“Bundaberg Tourism is over the moon that our application for the Bundaberg VIC to participate in this project was accepted and we look forward to sharing the Virtual Reality assets with visitors and locals when installed.”
The project is able to go ahead with the support of Bundaberg Regional Council.
Mayor Jack Dempsey said Council was pleased to support the Virtual Reality initiative.
“It’s fantastic that Bundaberg Tourism is being innovative in how to engage and inform visitors to maximise their enjoyment and extend their stay in our beautiful region,” Mayor Dempsey said.
The funding will include a professionally filmed film shot in region, installation of the virtual reality headsets, complete with all of the technical equipment as well as a 360 degree camera for Bundaberg Tourism to create extra content.
Meanwhile, Bundaberg Tourism is delighted to welcome people through the doors again.
“It’s wonderful to have the three Visitor Information Centres welcoming people through the doors again,” Katherine said.
“After being closed for 12 weeks and servicing visitor, industry and community enquiries over the phone, email and live webchat, our staff are ecstatic to be able to live and breathe their roles as Holiday Experience Specialists for the Bundaberg Region again, face to face with people.”
Susan Trew from the Bundaberg VIC agreed.
“I work here at the Bundaberg information centre because I really enjoy talking to people about our beautiful region and love being able to find them the right accommodation, book them into their first Great Barrier Reef experience or share with them some of my favourite things about the region,” Susan said.
“It’s just not the same sort of energy exchange doing that from home over the phone, so I’m so happy to be back in the VIC!”
Hours currently are:
- Bundaberg Visitor Information Centre, 36 Avenue Street, Bundaberg East is open 7 days/week from 9am to 4.30pm
- Childers Visitor Information Centre, 72 Churchill St, Childers is open Monday – Friday 9am – 3pm; Saturday 9am – 2pm; Sunday – closed;
- Gin Gin Visitor Information Centre, Mulgrave Street, Gin Gin is open Monday – Friday 9am – 3pm; Saturday 9am – 2pm; Sunday – closed
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