By EMMA SUN
THE Yarra Ranges will cement itself as Victoria’s tourism capital with free WiFi set to be installed at key attractions throughout the hills and valley.
The move comes after a $30,000 grant from the State Government to ensure tourists are able to access social media and find out more information about the places they visit.
While WiFi locations have yet to be finalised, Yarra Ranges Regional Marketing CEO Julie Sampson said some boosters would be provided at some of the locations where internet is not available.
“We are looking at locations that have high volumes of visitors to the region, like the major attractions, wineries and visitor information centres,” she said.
“Visitors can upload their own experiences and photos on their social media sites such as Facebook and twitter as well as download information from our websites and other websites giving them more reasons to stay longer.
“There will be advertising opportunities at these WiFi hotspots as well as point of sale where the official visitor guides will be distributed.”
Yarra Ranges Council’s executive officer economic development Simon O’Callaghan said it was a great step forward for visitor servicing in the Yarra Ranges, particularly in parts where mobile service might be lacking.
“The hills is an area that doesn’t have 100 per cent saturation for mobile coverage and this project really looks at how we can assist travellers when they’re moving from attraction to attraction,” he said.
“One of the things research shows, travellers are increasingly using their mobile devices to research their activity as they travel and we want to be able to support that as a key tourism destination for Victoria.”
Evelyn MP Christine Fyffe and Gembrook MP Brad Battin said WiFi would allow tourists to do the advertising.
“Visitors will be able to share images in real time with their friends and family – that is invaluable marketing that will promote the area to a whole new audience,” Mr Battin said.
“Tourists will also be able to access regional information when they are already in the Yarra Valley and Dandenongs, meaning businesses will have new opportunities to attract new customers.”
Ms Sampson said the project is due to be complete by November this year.
