Tropical Tablelands Tourism (TTT) chair Michael Trout said it was only fitting that the Barron Falls was used as the ‘hero’ photo to represent the region as the latest Discover visitor guide hits the shelves of information centres across the East Coast in time for Easter.
The visitor guide, which is published annually by TTT, offers the latest travel information on places to go and things to do across the Atherton Tablelands and its gateways of the Cassowary Coast, Port Douglas, Cairns and the Gulf Savannah.
This year, 120,000 copies will find their way as far afield as Cooktown, Mackay, Karumba, Mt Isa and Barcaldine, to consumer travel shows across Australia and internationally as well as visitor information centres throughout the region.
It will also be distributed internationally to key self-drive markets such as New Zealand, the US and Canada and throughout Europe.
In addition to the printed visitor guide, TTT will also roll out a dedicated Discover smart phone app, a first of its kind for regional visitor guides on April 15.
“TTT has earned a reputation as an industry leader in this area. In 2012 we developed the Drive North Queensland smart phone app, which has been adopted by the whole of region and this year, we are proud to further build on this with the Discover app.”
“Discover offers insightful and comprehensive end-to-end travel information to inspire, advise and give the tools needed to holiday in this region. The app will also allow us to reach more people. It can be downloaded from home, and can be used offline, so people can access the information they need without having to worry about wifi or phone reception.”
Mr Trout said the app was about giving those who choose to drive the tools to be able to do so confidentially and independently.
“The majority of all visitors to our region are those that come in their own vehicle. They are looking for those one-off experiences, food trails and unique attractions that make their stay memorable,” he added.
Discover continues to be one of the largest regionally distributed visitor guides of its kind in Australia. In conjunction with the smart phone, Discover will also roll out a new digital platform for computer users, with interactive features.
“This app will offer lots of features to enhance and value add in conjunction with the online digital version. “Browsing the content will be easy with videos, hyperlinks and full interactivity. One of the great advantages of the application, apart from the fact that it is cross-platform and can be used on all devices, is that users can download Discover to read it offline later.
“Discover has always been about creating awareness and interest in the destination to its target audience – potential visitors and current visitors – and encouraging them to extend their length of stay in the region.” “It really does provide the best opportunity for TTT members to showcase their products and services across Australia giving them access to markets they would not usually be able to penetrate.”