Visitors’ Centre gears up for the busiest time of year

Tuesday, February 27, 2018.

The Orange Visitors’ Information Centre is gearing up for its busiest three months of the year, as thousands of people are expected to hit the city this weekend injecting more than half a million dollars into the economy.

And that’s a conservative estimate.

Orange Mayor Reg Kidd said the next three months were jam packed with events such as FOOD Week, live music, horse racing (and camel racing), local country shows, markets and regional sporting carnivals.

“This weekend we have the Newcrest Orange Challenge which brings more than 1,200 competitors to town and they usually bring with them a few friends and family members,” Cr Kidd said.

“Then there’s the annual Orange Bird Sale on Saturday, which is huge and attracts about 1,000 people.

“We’re not at capacity just yet, but accommodation is nearly booked out in the city this weekend.”

Last year, during the months of March, April and May, the staff at the Visitors Centre helped 35,731 people who walked through the doors.

Orange City Council’s Employment and Economic Development Committee Chair Cr Jeff Whitton said while the Autumn were traditionally the busiest for the Visitors Centre, figures from last year showed Orange visitor numbers were consistently high.

“Last year 130,247 people walked through the doors and spoke with staff members at the Visitors Centre,” he said.

“It shows people still want that face-to-face contact, a trusted local to help point them in the right direction with options for restaurants, pubs and cafes as well as , how to get there and what to do while they’re here.

“There was significant website traffic as well as over 3,000 phone inquiries but the numbers show there’s still nothing like speaking, in person, with a friendly Visitors Information officer.

“Often people have specific needs that aren’t addressed well online, such as a family travelling with pets, or someone in a wheelchair will want something specifically tailored to them.

“And that’s what the staff at the Visitors Centre are good at. They tailor people’s itineraries for them.

“Someone might be here this weekend for the Newcrest Challenge but the Visitors Staff can come up with an itinerary of ideas for the kids or partner to do while they’re in town.

Cr Whitton said there was a huge economic benefit to having these types of large events in the city.

“Based on conservative estimates the Newcrest Challenge alone brings in to the local economy about $500,000,” he said.

“Those figures are calculated using Tourism Research Australia figures and an estimate of the number of competitors who were not local.

“Those competitors spend money on accommodation, meals, shopping and often they’ll go to a winery, or perhaps stay for a game of golf.”

For information on upcoming events in Orange and surrounds head to www.visitorange.com.au

BUSY: Autumn in Orange is the busiest time for the Vistors' Center.