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Island Visitor Services Shine!The Phillip Island Visitor Information Centre at Newhaven is the second best in Victoria, according to tourism business audits funded as part of Tourism Victoria’s Tourism Excellence Program. By Bass Coast - 10th September 2010 - Back to News Victoria’s Tourism Excellence Program.
The audit was part of the Tourism Business Audits carried out across Victoria. Forty-five of the 76 visitor information centres were audited.
Bass Coast Shire Council’s Tourism Manger, Ken Hore, said both the Cowes and Newhaven Centres rated extremely well in the audit.
"The Newhaven Centre had an overall score of 96 per cent, with Cowes close behind on 88 per cent," said Mr Hore.
"We were very pleased to see that both centres scored 100 per cent for staff awareness, presentation and the booking, planning and equiry section.
"It was particularly gratifying that the refurbished Newhaven Centre also scored full marks for amenity, access, marketing and their retail section," continued Mr Hore.
"Obviously the new building has been very well received by our Visitors!"
The local knowledge of Visitor Information Centre staff and volunteers was also recognised by the audit, with staff at Newhaven and Cowes scoring 100 and 90 per cent respectively in this category.
In 2009/10 the Bass Coast Visitor Information network had 244,623 visitors and 24,326 phone enquiries.
These figures have increased by 43 per cent since 2001.
"We are always looking for friendly and professional volunteers," said Mr Hore.
"We have a real mix of volunteers. Some are recently retired - they like keeping their mind active and they have fantastic skills to share."
The Phillip Island Visitor Information Centre sells a great range of merchandise and attraction tickets are sold across the network.
END
For more information contact:
Eleanor McKay
communications coordinator
t (03) 5671 2296 | f (03) 5671 2222 | m 0407 557 620
e e.mckay@basscoast.vic.gov.au
Source: www.gippsland.com Published by: news@gippsland.com

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