Outback Queensland Launches Agritourism Mentoring Program
Ten Outback farmers or graziers will be offered free agritourism mentoring as part of a new project to develop the sector in Outback Queensland.
The Outback Queensland Tourism Association (OQTA) has partnered with agritourism development experts Sparrowly Group to deliver the tailored one-on-one mentoring program to support farmers or graziers looking to develop or enhance their agritourism journey.
Successful applicants will receive personal mentoring from Sparrowly Group’s seasoned experts in tourism, agricultural diversification and business growth, along with access to a wealth of practical tools and resources.
The program is being offered free of charge through funding from the Department of Tourism and Sport, Tourism and Events Queensland and OQTA.
Eligible businesses are invited to apply here: www.sparrowly.com/outback-queensland-agritourism-accelerator. Applications close on Friday, 3 May.
The mentoring program is a key action of the new Outback Queensland Agritourism Accelerator Project which aims to educate and support local businesses to diversify their operations and develop sustainable, high quality and distinctive agritourism experiences.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Tourism Michael Healy
“Agritourism is a rapidly growing industry for Queensland’s economy, estimated to be worth $4.5 billion by 2030.
“It’s a sector with tremendous potential to grow Outback Queensland’s visitor economy, create local employment opportunities, build business capability and resilience and encourage new market segments to visit the region.
“The Outback Queensland Agritourism Accelerator Project provides a comprehensive roadmap for local producers and communities to tap into consumer demand for authentic agritourism experiences and develop compelling, sustainable and innovative offerings for visitors.
“I encourage primary producers and rural businesses right across the Outback to apply for the mentoring program and explore the positive potential of agritourism.”
Quotes attributable to Densie Brown, CEO, Outback Queensland Tourism Association
“Outback Queensland, by its very geography, has long supported a proud agricultural sector intrinsically linked to stories about our unique landscapes, quality produce, cultural heritage and famed pioneering spirit.
“The Outback Queensland Agritourism Accelerator Project seeks to harness these stories and provide an opportunity for Outback primary producers to combat seasonality and market headwinds and diversify their operations through agritourism.
“Agritourism offers huge potential to grow the Outback visitor economy by offering authentic, immersive and memorable experiences that leverage our natural competitive advantage and showcase our region’s people, produce and the stories behind them.
“We are delighted to be partnering with the Sparrowly Group to bring this important project to life, with support from the Department of Tourism and Sport and Tourism and Events Queensland.”
Quotes attributable to Giovanna Lever, Managing Director, Sparrowly Group
“Sparrowly Group is proud to be partnering with the Outback Queensland Tourism Association to deliver the Accelerator Mentoring Program to help farmers and graziers diversify their agribusinesses.
“The Outback Queensland region has a unique proposition for agritourism – one that has the potential to really differentiate the state and country for visitors looking to experience farm life not typically available in traditionally known agritourism regions.
“By equipping local farmers and graziers with the tools and knowledge to thrive, we’re not only enhancing the regional agricultural economy but also enriching the visitor experience.”
Quotes attributable to Mark Hampel, owner, Outback Date Farms
“We realised a long-term dream when we established our date plantation in 2014, and offer tours from April to October, giving visitors an overview of the history and health benefits of dates and how they are grown, along with an opportunity to sample and purchase our delicious products.
“We’re really excited about the opportunity to share what we’ve learnt about farming practices through real life educational experiences. We continue to work towards enhancing our use of Charleville’s reclaimed water by developing our ecological wetlands.
“We are keen to develop and diversify our business, create a date interpretative centre and attract new markets and events.”
Quotes attributable to Dan Walker, owner, Camden Park Station
“Camden Park Station is an 18,000-acre working sheep and cattle station just outside Longreach, well-established on our agritourism journey offering bush camping and personalised station tours.
“Agritourism experiences and events in the Outback offer a real point of difference, with stunning backdrops, unrivalled serenity and authentic hospitality so we’re really looking forward to seeing new agritourism opportunities for the broader Outback region.”
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For media enquiries, please contact:
Denise Brown – CEO OQTA
E: ceo@outbackqueensland.com.au
Ph: +61 438 394 492
