A high country trans-border touring route in southern New South Wales and northern Victoria - the Snowy Valley Ways – has been launched and will boost tourism numbers to the region.
Minister for Tourism, Martin Ferguson, said the project covered the shires of Indigo, Towong, Tumbarumba, Tumut and Gundagai.
The project was supported by the Australian Government with a $300,000 grant under the Australian Tourism Development Program to the Tumbarumba Shire Council, the lead agency for the five shires.
Mr Ferguson said the funding was used towards strategies for marketing, product and theme development, infrastructure, signage, investment attraction, and industry and community development.
“A touring map was also developed to provide tourists with a taste of what is available across the route,” Mr Ferguson said.
“Brochures detailing each activity or theme were developed to underpin the touring map and cover themes such as art, fishing, cellar doors, heritage, festivals, golf, flora and fauna, pub culture and tracks and trails.
“In addition, a booklet has also been published for motor cycling enthusiasts and contains information on the many and varied motor cycle routes and trails.”
Mr Ferguson said the marketing material has already played a significant part in the success of the project with tourism numbers increasing significantly.
“Tourism is big business and plays an important role in the economy as well as providing employment opportunities around the country,” Mr Ferguson said.
“It has been a team effort of the two states and five neighbouring shires which is a commendable achievement.
“The touring route is a welcomed alternative to the Hume Highway and incorporates a diverse range of Australian icons along its route including, Kosciusko National Park, Ned Kelly Touring route, the Murray River, Beechworth and wine district, Dog on the Tuckerbox and Night Sky.
"This will prove to be a very special treat for international travellers.”
Contact: Tracey Winters (Canberra) 0407 099 104
Robyn Foster (AusIndustry) 02 6213 6787