Goldfields Getaway
30 November, 2021
Sharing local information
Alana Burge has seen a lot of changes in tourism since starting work with the Pyrenees Shire Visitor Centre more than 16 years ago. “We used to get all the phone calls for people booking accommodation but that disappeared over time because people...
Alana Burge has seen a lot of changes in tourism since starting work with the Pyrenees Shire Visitor Centre more than 16 years ago.
“We used to get all the phone calls for people booking accommodation but that disappeared over time because people were able to do that online,” Alana said.
“We find people pre-plan for the stays but they still want to come in and find out what else there is to do and get that on-the-ground information. Rather than assisting people with their holiday plans prior to arriving it is now predominantly when they are here.”
The other major change to impact the area is the pandemic travel restrictions of the past few years, which has seen people who might go interstate or overseas exploring what their own state has to offer.
“After each lockdown we have been busier than we were before Covid,” Alana said.
“We are finding a variety of different demographics are visiting the region. Families are exploring our nature-based product and enjoying farmstays, couples and groups of friends are choosing to reconnect at our wineries and it is great to see the caravanning community return as well.
“It’s the unique little places like B and Bs, people get immersed in the whole experience and like being in out-of-the-way spots. I don’t think we realise here how cooped up people in Melbourne were for such a long time. They are loving just going for long walks, looking at the stars – it’s the little things they are appreciating now.”
Alana was born and bred in Avoca, but said she didn’t appreciate her home town until she moved away before returning to raise her own children.
“Growing up here, I took the beautiful landscapes for granted, I didn’t realise the beauty – because it was always there,” she said.
“I am really proud of the product and experiences we offer in the Pyrenees and I feel really honoured to be able to share it with others.”