A new tourism app with artificial intelligence technology unveiled by Southern Downs Regional Council this month aims to share the “good country life and encourage food and wine lovers to explore their stunning landscapes, wineries, attractions” according to Mayor Vic Pennisi.
Mayor Pennisi said the free digitally interactive travel guide is an exciting tool and resource to support the region’s tourism industry and enhance the visitor experience.
“Located just 90 minutes from Brisbane, we’ve seen a real upswing in fellow Aussies exploring our region,” he said.
“The new Southern Downs and Granite Belt tourism app provides an interactive platform for visitors to immerse themselves in the tourist experience and features an exciting artificial intelligence element, the new Dunny Dash Art Trail.
“Following on from the success of silo art trails across regional Australia, we thought we’d try something different and transform our public toilet blocks with painted murals by local artists and create the Dunny Dash Art Trail.
“Using the app, you just need to hold your smart phone up to one of the 12 art murals dotted across the Southern Downs and unique information on the artwork and the artist will be at your fingertips.
“We welcome nearly a million visitors annually, which generates $177.4 million for our regional economy and we see the app as an integral way to enhance the visitor experience both before and during a trip to the Southern Downs with interactive maps, self-guided walking tours, events calendars and of course the unique Dunny Dash Art Trail.
“By building on visitor engagement, we want travellers to experience everything the Southern Downs has to offer and increase the average length-of-stay for the region.
“The app supports our tourism industry, improves the region’s visibility to visitors and grows Council’s existing destination marketing channels.”
The app can be used 100% offline and features up-to-date information on attractions, accommodation, events, restaurants, wineries, travel tips and more. –
The Southern Downs and Granite Belt visitor app is proudly funded by the Australian and Queensland Governments through the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).
