Travellers researching their next holiday are often looking for something new.
This could be a somewhere different to stay, a new restaurant to try or a debut event that will make their holiday unforgettable.
Recently Visit Sunshine Coast put together a list of ‘What’s New’ on the Sunshine Coast in 2019, and I was blown away by the number of products we had on offer.
Every region needs to constantly identify, build and deliver new tourism offerings, and the Sunshine Coast is no exception.
New products entice visitors to stay longer, spend more and most importantly, become a return visitor.
In short, evolution is the key for staying ahead in the game.
The Curated Plate, the Sunshine Coast’s own four-day food festival set to debut this August, is a great example.
Not only will it entice a different kind of visitor to our region, it also serves as a delicious entrée for those looking to discover our food scene.
In recent months several new restaurants and bars have opened at The Wharf Mooloolaba, redefining the precinct as a food destination and tapping in to the ever-growing food tourism market.
We also have new food experiences, with Sunshine Coast Craft Beer Tours building on their repertoire to include a Farm to Fork experience in the Hinterland.
The tour will take visitors from paddock to plate, showcasing how brewers and producers work together.
Just as important is our events space, which will expand both its business and leisure offerings in 2019.
In a Sunshine Coast first, the round five clash between South Sydney Rabbitohs and New Zealand Warriors will be held in region, tapping in to two of our primary visitor markets.
A women’s retreat is also set to debut in the hinterland run by tourism operator A Touch of Deep Love, perfect for those looking for a health and wellness escape.
In terms of attractions, The Big Pineapple is on track to be restored to its former glory with a $150 million redevelopment, which will see Australia’s highest adventure course the Treetop Challenge open in the precinct this month.
Aussie World is also scheduled to launch a new ride, Australia’s first solar powered canoe tours now operate on Maroochy River and Ocean View Heli have introduced a Fly ‘n’ Dine experience to Flame Hill Vineyard.
With so much already on offer, I look forward to seeing what happens next.
