Gin Gin Visitor Information Centre

Preamble

Council is seeking Expressions of Interest (EOIs) from suitable not for profit, community-based organisations to deliver visitor information services in Gin Gin.

EOIs are being sought from organisations who wish to deliver visitor services from the former Gin Gin Visitor Information Centre (GGVIC) building, located on Mulgrave Street, Gin Gin.

Based on the results of this EOI, Council may then, at its sole discretion, invite shortlisted organisations to submit further written information on their proposal to operate the GGVIC.

Background 

The existing building and adjoining shelter shed structures located on Mulgrave Street have served as the town’s Visitor Information Centre (VIC) previously. The shade structures also allow visitors to enjoy respite from travelling amongst the well-maintained Gin Gin streetscape.  

The successful organisation would enter into an agreement with Bundaberg Regional Council to operate the building for the purposes of a VIC.

Council also has a partnership with Bundaberg Tourism to provide visitor information services in Bundaberg and Childers. Having previously delivered visitor services in Gin Gin, the re-establishment of the GGVIC would be supported by Bundaberg Tourism to ensure a high standard of visitor information and services are provided at the GGVIC.

The role of the organisation successful in operating the GGVIC would be to:

• Establish and operate a non-accredited VIC that provides accurate visitor information and services for visitors and the community;
• Create and maintain an innovative centre that fosters a passion for the Gin Gin community and is willing to collaborate with businesses, operators, and other local community organisations; and
• Create and maintain direct modes of communication that inform Bundaberg Tourism and Bundaberg Regional Council in regard to tourism related opportunities to promote the Gin Gin area. 

What is a non-accredited Visitor Information Centre?

Non-accredited visitor information centres are staffed by friendly, trained people with extensive local knowledge. They provide reliable information on attractions, activities, and events, along with helping visitors make reservations for accommodation or sightseeing tours. Staff also give up-to-the-minute advice on travel and what’s on in the local area during their stay in region. Non-accredited visitor information centres allow for the use of the recognised blue and white i in all promotional signage.

(Fully accredited visitor information centres set a higher standard in the delivery of visitor services. They also must adhere to strict VIC signage policy standards administered by the Queensland Government, are audited annually, must open 7 days a week and provide a range of services for domestic and international travellers throughout Queensland).  

Expectations of organisations operating the GGVIC

It is expected that organisations operating the GGVIC will be capable of delivering the following service levels:

• To open a minimum of 5 days a week, inclusive of weekends
• Open a minimum of 5 hours per day between 9.00am to 5.00pm.
• Maintenance of maps, directional and visitor signage. 
• Capability to maintain levels of customer service to support a positive visitor experience.
• Ability to maintain and display destination and regional marketing collateral.  
• Capacity to produce an operational manual that outlines the day-to-day operations of the VIC.
• Capacity and willingness to collect and share visitor data to track usage. 
• A commitment to operating ethically, professionally and without bias in the delivery of information services on behalf of the region.
• That all people engaged with the organisation commit to a code of conduct. 
• Commitment to communicate regularly (as per an agreed communications plan) with the Bundaberg Visitor Information Centre as a partner in the delivery of visitor information.

It should be noted that Bundaberg Tourism will provide the following to any successful organisations:

• An operational manual template and a level of guidance to develop a suitable operational manual that can be used for volunteer inductions, training, and general operations.
• Provide a dedicated, 6 monthly training session to people engaged in the delivery of visitor services through the GGVIC. 
• Provide a range of internal signage to assist with visitors engaging in available marketing collateral that will align to the destination branding, and templates for the creation of further internal signage.
• 2 x external signs on the building directing visitors to the information centre with the recognisable white on blue i.
• 4 x i flags to attract visitors, aligned to the destination branding. 
• Maintenance of digital wayfinding for the VIC with Google, Apple and ATDW. 
• Monthly delivery of Bundaberg region maps, Visitor Guides and assorted visitor attraction brochures in line with member brochure displays in the Bundaberg and Childers VIC.