Supporting tourism: Staff at venues across the region, including Georgia Maiden from the American Hotel in Echuca, are eager to share and promote the new, groundbreaking QR code.
Photo by
Adair Winder
Tourists and residents will have information at their fingertips with the launch of the new Echuca Moama Tourism QR codes.
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Currently being distributed to hospitality, accommodation and entertainment vendors across both towns, the QR codes will guide travellers where to go and what to do while visiting the region.
Former EMT chief executive Kathryn Mackenzie said she thought it might be one of the first, if not the first, tourism service QR code in Australia.
She said her team had worked tirelessly to identify and answer all of the frequently asked questions by tourists who dropped into the visitor centre.
“These QR codes will direct people to the location of public toilets, to parks that are dog friendly, to where you can find a car park and where to go for your next meal,” Ms Mackenzie said.
“Activities and accommodation can be booked through the code. For instance, if you are staying in a motel room and the code is located there, that code can then direct you to a portal when you can book a paddlesteamer or other activity.”
Through the code, you will also be able to find out which venues and attractions are open and which are closed.
Up close and personal: Keep an eye out for these stickers on business windows.
Photo by
Adair Winder
The concept for the QR code emanated from the pandemic.
When EMT’s brochure distribution agent Martin Kelly, from Melbourne, realised he needed to pivot onto a different career path during COVID-19, he and the team at EMT came up with the concept for a QR code that would connect tourists directly to town services.
Since Christmas 2021, the team has worked tirelessly to develop the content, while Mr Kelly has supported the endeavour financially.
Ms Mackenzie said Mr Kelly wanted to help the Echuca-Moama community because he had been a regular visitor to the region for more than 30 years.
“He knew the plight of living in a tourism-centric, border town during the pandemic, and that’s why he offered to help,” she said.
“It’s a story of true generosity, innovation and passion towards our industry and our community.”
The QR codes are now live, ready to use and are being distributed to operators who are EMT members.
Codes will most likely be displayed on operators’ windows.
Ms Mackenzie said this was just the first chapter for the tourism industry in Echuca-Moama.
“We can build it, add to it and refine it whenever we like,” she said.
“We’re putting all the information right into the hands of our community, our visitors and our industry.”
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