General News
3 March, 2025
Tourism leaders drive recovery
Grampians Wimmera Mallee Tourism (GWMT) and six local government partners of the region took action at the Victorian Caravan and Camping Supershow, strengthening the region’s tourism recovery and resilience.
The event drew 43,000 attendees, creating a vital platform to connect industry leaders and encourage travel to the Grampians and Wimmera Mallee from February 19 to 23 at Melbourne Showgrounds.
GWMT joined hands with Horsham Rural City Council, Northern Grampians Shire Council, Southern Grampians Shire Council, Hindmarsh Shire Council, Yarriambiack Shire Council and Ararat Rural City Council, focusing on the region’s recovery.
The regions from all across Australia attended the show, but GWMT was the only tourism organisation from Victoria.
GWMT CEO Marc Sleeman emphasised the importance of direct engagement with travellers, stressing that now is the time to remind visitors about the unique destinations and operators that define the region.
“This event gave us the chance to connect directly with our core target market, highlighting the incredible places and operators that make our region special, and encourage travellers to plan their next visit,” he said.
“There was a mix of all ages at the show.
“There were first time caravaners and people who are interested in buying the caravans.
“Now more than ever, it’s important to remind travellers that the Grampians and Wimmera Mallee are welcoming and ready to explore.
Mr Sleeman said, according to the data, 30 percent of the Melbourne market comes for a day and stays overnight in regional Victoria.
Local government representatives from across the region, including Hindmarsh Shire CEO Monica Revell, Simone Logan from Southern Grampians Shire, and Yarriambiack Shire’s councillor Karly Kirk engaged with travellers, answered questions about bushfire recovery and assured visitors that the region remains open and ready to welcome them.
Mrs Revell said the event was well attended by the visitors and it was great to represent the region.
“The event was well attended with an abundance of genuine enquiries regarding the region including the recent bushfires, Hindmarsh Holiday Parks, the Silo Art Trail, the Grampians, and the upcoming Steampunk Festival,” she said.
“Plenty of conversations were held with attendees who had visited the region previously.
“They expressed excitement about a future opportunity to explore the many attractions, including the Llew Schilling Silo opening later in the year, and the opportunity to see inside a silo.
“Our region has a lot to offer visitors, and it was fantastic to attend the show to represent the region.”
The caravan and camping sector continues to play a crucial role in regional tourism, with domestic road trips ranking among Victoria’s strongest travel segments.
