Barossa mayor Bim Lange (left), trade minister Simon Birmingham and Barossa Council tourism services manager Jo Seabrook toast the new Barossa Visitor Centre.
JESSE NEILL
THE recently-redeveloped Barossa Visitor Centre has opened to the public, and Barossa Council is hoping it will help visitors feel more connected to the region.
The facility is now accessible via Tanunda’s Murray Street, making it easier to enter and more visible to foot traffic and tourists who venture to the Barossa.
Tourism minister Simon Birmingham visited the centre on Thursday and said it was a great opportunity to further showcase the region.
“The centre itself isn’t attracting people to the Barossa, they’re already here when they walk in the door…but it is helping to get them to spend more here, and spend longer time here,” he said.
“Regions like the Barossa that are steeped in history, culture, and stories are integral to ensuring Australia remains an attractive destination in an increasingly competitive world.”
Barossa Council received funding for the redevelopment from the Federal Government’s International Wine Tourism Competitive Grants Program, the Barossa Grape and Wine Association, and Tourism Barossa.
The centre is co-located within the Tanunda Library Branch and serves as a bridge between locals and visitors.
Council’s tourism services manager, Jo Seabrook, said she was already seeing an increase in foot traffic, bookings and sales.
“The feedback has been amazing from both our community and visitors,” she said.
“Previously, we just had a big, long counter…now, it’s more contemporary, it’s open and just flows more naturally.
“Our staff and volunteers now feel more engaged with our customers, too.”
In addition to the enhanced flow and access, key features that have been added to the centre include a Barossa Wine Stories Room with displays and touchscreens; a video wall and lounge displaying new regional promotional footage; a Barossa Makers Table to showcase pop-up winemakers, producers, artists and craftspeople; a ‘Barossa Made’ gift shop; booking pods; and a 24/7 mobile device charge up facility.
Mayor Bim Lange said the function and design of the redeveloped centre has improved the customer experience.
“The redevelopment has allowed us to create a more engaging and interactive visitor experience,” he said.
