The Minister for Tourism, Martin Ferguson AM MP, has congratulated tourism businesses in the Grampians region of Victoria for achieving high satisfaction ratings from visitors compared with other selected destinations across Australia.
The Visitor Profile and Satisfaction Report from Tourism Research Australia put the Grampians region in sixth place out of 65 destinations across Australia for visitor satisfaction. The reports are being progressively rolled out across Australia. The Grampians Survey conducted in July and August 2009 stated more than 65 per cent of visitors to the region were very satisfied with their visit.
Visitors were particularly impressed by the scenic beauty and natural landscape. They considered the region a great place for a family visit as there are a variety of activities for kids to enjoy.
Minister Ferguson said, "This is a great result. Through the Australian Government's National Long-Term Tourism Strategy we are going to build on our new "There's Nothing Like Australia" marketing campaign and also work with industry and state and territory government on supply side issues to deliver even better visitor satisfaction results. That means focussing on product quality and accreditation, building a skilled and innovative workforce, investing in infrastructure, and making the most of our natural competitive advantages such as our landscapes and indigenous and cultural heritage.
"Customer satisfaction is at the heart of a successful tourism destination. For many communities such as those in the Grampians, tourism is vital to the local economy. For tourism to succeed it needs not only good service but good local facilities. Last year the Australian Government provided more than $1.7 million directly to the Grampians for local community infrastructure including public facilities for tourists.
"Australians need to be reminded of the beauty of an Australian holiday especially with long weekends coming up. Tourism Australia and the Australian Government's "No Leave No Life" campaign encourages Australians to use their 123 million days of accumulated annual leave, worth $33 billion, to take a break at home. For the Grampians that could mean a walk in the Grampians National Park, rock climbing, visiting wineries or the Brambuk Cultural Centre." he said.
"Tourism is dominated by small businesses - that is why, as part of the economic stimulus, the Australian Government invested more than $500 million in small business incentives and support to help the 93 per cent of tourism businesses in this category.
The Visitor Profile and Satisfaction (VPS) Program is a part of the Destination Visitor Survey Program (DVS) run by Tourism Research Australia and the Department of Resources, Energy and Tourism.
The Visitor Profile and Satisfaction Reports can be obtained at Destination Visitor Survey Reports.