News Updates
Locals’ Loyalty Card Program – Join Now!
February 12th, 2010
Now there is an even better reason to take a break in your own backyard!
Capricorn Tourism is about to release the brand new ‘Locals’ Loyalty Card’ . The Local’s card is ‘jam-packed’ with special rates and packages for many events, tours, attractions and accommodation throughout the Capricorn Region, with the potential to save locals hundreds of dollars. The Capricorn Region is a unique part of Australia showcasing both the Outback and the Reef, but with today’s hectic lifestyles, statistics show that every year Queenslanders are taking less and less holidays! Capricorn Tourism’s ‘Locals’ Loyalty Card’ makes it easy for busy working couples, families, and singles, to take a relaxing getaway, close to home, without breaking the budget!
Not to mention, if you’re looking for activities to keep your visiting friends and relatives occupied when they come to stay, this handy card enables you to visit some the region’s most popular attractions at a special rate. It also makes a great gift idea if you’re looking for a present with a difference.
Capricorn is a great place to live, and it’s an even better place to explore. When was the last time you visited the lush forests of Byfield, the explorer’s paradise of the Sapphire Gemfields, or took a good look at some of the fantastic boutique shops and free attractions Rockhampton has to offer? Use the ‘Local’s Loyalty Card’ to re-discover what you always knew was in your own backyard – you may have forgotten just how great it really is!
For a short time only, Capricorn Tourism has a special introductory offer for all Rockhampton Region residents… Purchase the Local’s Loyalty Card before the end of April 2010 for only $20, normally $40 – that’s a saving of 50%!
Click here to view the latest offers
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If you are a member of Capricorn Tourism and are interested in promoting your product via the Locals’ Loyalty Card Program please contact Deanne Bowd on 0749272055.
Bookings Now Open! Capricorn Holiday Planner & Visitor Guides 2010.
January 18th, 2010
Download the Advertising Prospectus and Booking Form now!
Dear Industry Collegue,
It’s that time of year again and in order to support tourism and business growth in the Capricorn Region, Capricorn Tourism is working hard to once again produce the suite of brochures – Experience Central Queensland.
Experience Central Queensland Suite (ECQ) is an important way to showcase your business, the industry and also promote the range of travel products and services on offer for visitors to the Capricorn Region. The ECQ suite is comprised of the Capricorn Region Holiday Planner, and 3 Local Visitor Guides; ‘Rockhampton & Mount Morgan’, ‘Capricorn Coast & Islands’, and ‘Central Highlands & Sapphire Gemfields’.
The Capricorn Region Holiday Planner is an award-winning publication aimed to stimulate the motivation for travel, through the use of stunning imagery, showcasing niche experiences and travel information.
The 3 Local Visitor Guides are intended for tactical use within region to extend length of stay and disperse visitors once they arrive, providing more detailed local information, advertising for local business, services, and town maps.
The Experience Central Queensland suite is a major part of our marketing campaign designed to keep the Capricorn Region at the forefront of Queensland travel destinations.
I recommend the Experience Central Queensland suite to you as a cost effective way to support your marketing efforts… If you only place one ad per year, it should be in one of these guides!
Kind Regards,
Mary Carroll, CEO, Capricorn Tourism
Download the Advertising Prospectus and Booking Form now!
Events, Parties, Markets & More… There’s a lot happening in Capricorn!
December 11th, 2009
What’s on in Central Queensland? Well, quite a lot actually…
Today, Capricorn Tourism has proudly launched the region’s newest ‘What’s On’ Guide, showcasing events from the Central Highlands, Rockhampton through to the Capricorn Coast. The first guide of its kind to incorporate all the major events across the Capricorn Region, ‘What’s on in Capricorn’ will be published every second month commencing from December 2009.
Capricorn Tourism’s new Chief Executive Officer, Mary Carroll, said, “This guide is intended to be used not only by visitors to the region but also our local community, as our visiting friends and relatives market is a core component of our tourism visitation to the Capricorn Region. “
Capricorn Tourism is encouraging all local households and businesses to download the guide every second month, to get the latest information on what major events are happening across Capricorn. Some of the region’s biggest drawcard events include; Keppel Carnivale – celebrating the Brisbane to Keppel Yacht Race, Gemfest – Queensland’s biggest festival of Gemstones, Opera in the Capricorn Caves, weekly practice bull rides at the Great Western Hotel, and Motormania CQ – a brand new 9 day festival of motorsport events, just to name a few.
“The calendar of events for this region is quite astounding. Events, big and small, are taking place each week and we want everyone to have the opportunity to support them! We’re expecting the introduction of this ‘What’s on’ guide will enable a wider spread of people to really get behind and support these fantastic events, “she said.
Would you like to find out more? Click here to download ‘What’s on’ guide as a pdf.
Central Highlands & Sapphire Gemfields Members & Volunteers Christmas Party
December 11th, 2009
The Capricorn Tourism team landed in the Sapphire Gemfields on 30th November for the Capricorn Tourism Central Highlands Members and Volunteers Christmas Party. It was a great night with Pat’s Gems generously hosting and catering, as well as supplying a number of beautiful sapphires as prizes throughout the night.
A mixture of Central Highlands members and volunteers attended, with other prizes throughout the night including wine and trips for two to Great Keppel Island. The Capricorn Tourism staff enjoyed a night at the very comfortable billy-boulder cabins at the Sapphire Caravan Park, and several members of the Capricorn Tourism team stayed in region for member visits, meetings and a tour of the area for those who hadn’t visited previously.
Thank you to those who attended, it was a great chance to touch base with Central Highlands members and to wish you all the best for the festive season. Click here to view our facebook page with our latest member photos.
Third Development Plan for Great Keppel Island Announced
November 24th, 2009
The Tower Holdings has confirmed it will submit a third proposal for a low-rise resort on Great Keppel Island early in 2010.
Tower Holdings’ previous proposal was rejected by the Federal Government last month because of environmental concerns, but the company has now vowed to submit a scaled back plan.
Tower Holdings’ previous proposal, including a 300 room hotel, a ferry terminal, retail village, golf course and sporting oval, was rejected by the Federal Environment Minister last month because of the impact it would have on the world heritage area.
After meeting with Peter Garrett’s department, Tower Holdings has now decided to submit a more environmental sustainable plan.
The project’s development manager, Anthony Aiossa, says the company was disappointed at the decision but it is keen to move ahead.
Mr Aiossa says he is confident the new plan will address all of the Minister’s concerns.
“It has only strengthened our resolve to demonstrate that you can build tourism activities on this island,” he said.
The new plan is expected to include a commitment renewable energy, a sustainable water supply system and an environmentally friendly design.
Rockhampton & Capricorn Coast Christmas Party
November 24th, 2009
The team at Capricorn Tourism are getting excited about the 2009 Rockhampton and Capricorn Coast Christmas Function, to be held from 4pm-8pm, Wednesday 16th December at Capricorn Caves. With special guest Best Job in the World winner, Ben Southall, as well as a buffet dinner and beverage package, live entertainment, lucky door prizes and more, this is one festive celebration that’s not to be missed.
As we are hosting this event at the wonderful Capricorn Caves, we would also ask that you wear sensible footwear, as guests will be invited to do a cave tour. Also, don’t forget to wear your best Christmas costumes as there will be a prize for best themed outfit.
RSVPs for the Rockhampton and Capricorn Coast Christmas Party have now closed, however if you are attending and have any special dietary requirements, please phone Ashlee Allwood on 07 4927 2055.
Capricorn Wins Big at 2009 QLD Tourism Awards
November 16th, 2009
The Capricorn Region was well represented at the 2009 Queensland Tourism awards, held Friday 13th November 2009.
The Capricorn Caves won two Awards including the Steve Irwin Award for Eco Tourism, and Young Achiever Award for General Manager Amanda Jennings, whilst the Rubyvale Gem Gallery were awarded the prestigious Hall of Fame award for winning the Category of Specialised Tourism Services for the third year running.
Tourism Minister Peter Lawlor had high praise for both operators, saying “Rubyvale Gem Gallery owners Peter and Eileen Brown have built a fantastic tourism product which has become a major attraction for the Capricorn region”.
“Capricorn Caves also won the Steve Irwin Ecotourism Award this year and was named a finalist in the Tourist Attractions category, no small part of which is due, I’m sure, to Amanda’s management skills”, Mr Lawlor said.
Member for Rockhampton Robert Schwarten said it was fantastic to see so many Capricorn operators excelling at this year’s Queensland Tourism Awards. “Regional attractions bring visitors to a destination, inject money into the local economy and create jobs for the locals,” Mr Schwarten said.
Capricorn Tourism congratulates these operators on their outstanding achievements, and wishes them well for their subsequent nominations in the national Tourism Awards.
The full list of winners is available online at www.queenslandtourismawards.com.au.
Mary Carroll, New CEO
October 27th, 2009
Capricorn Tourism is looking forward to welcoming new Chief Executive Officer Mary Carroll, who is due to visit the region on October 15th for the Capricorn Tourism Annual General Meeting. Mary is due to commence her new role in early December (possibly earlier), whilst current Chief Executive Alan Chamberlain remains in a part-time capacity.
Mary told the team that she was “extremely excited about coming home, I’m looking forward to visiting the members and seeing all the changes to the local tourism industry that have occurred over the last three years.”
“I’m very much looking forward to working with the team – both the paid staff and wonderful volunteers without whom our visitor information centres would cease to operate. The Capricorn Region has such a dynamic and diverse mix of operators, and I’d like to congratulate the winners at the recent Central Queensland and Southern Great Barrier Reef Tourism Awards who have showcased the hard work and innovation our regional tourism industry has to offer.”
2009 Bundaberg, Gladstone and Capricorn Zonal Tourism Awards
September 23rd, 2009
All Capricorn Tourism members and stakeholders are cordially invited to the 2009 Bundaberg, Gladstone and Capricorn Zonal Tourism Awards Night. This year’s Tourism Awards will be hosted by Bundaberg Region Tourism and provides a chance to showcase and reward excellence and innovation in our local tourism industry.
This year’s Tourism Awards Night will be held on Saturday 10th October, at the Bundaberg Botanic Gardens, where attendees can enjoy cocktails aboard the steam strain, tours of the acclaimed Hinkler Hall of Aviation, and entertainment by Electric Banana, as well as a chance to support and network with other members of the local tourism industry.
Tickets are $70/pp and include food and alcohol throughout the night, as well as the chance to win a range of fantastic lucky door prizes.
To view your official invitation and RSVP details, please click here.
7's Queensland Weekender “Digs” the Tropic of Capricorn
September 23rd, 2009
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Channel 7 program “Queensland Weekender”, has featured the Dig the Tropic Geotourism Trail, which aired on September 5, 2009.
The trail extends westwards from the Capricorn Coast to Boulia following the Capricorn Highway, and features geotourism activities and attractions throughout.
Starting the program in Heron Island, presenters Budda and Jess travelled through to the Capricorn Cave where they enjoyed a tour of the caves and event facilities. They then continued to beautiful Blackdown Tableland National Park, and onwards to Blackwater where they enjoyed the interpretive centre and other attractions at Blackwater International Coal Centre. The program continued to profile the Dig the Tropic Trail through to Emerald, where Budda and Jess spent the night at Emerald Homestay and travelled on to the Sapphire Gemfields. Budda and Jess took part in gem fossicking at Miners Heritage and got a taste of the popular annual event Gemfest.
This is a great profile builder for the region, and is sure to increase awareness of Dig the Tropic and the operators involved. For more information on the “Dig the Tropic” Queensland Weekender episode click here, for more information on the Geotourism Trail, visit www.digthetropic.com.au.
