PLANS to boost Creswick Woollen Mills visitor numbers by 30 percent within four years have been unveiled by the Andrews Labor Government.
The plans have been backed by $500,000 from the government and parliamentary secretary for Regional Development Danielle Green helped unveil them last Friday at the mill’s 70th anniversary celebrations.
Ms Green said Victoria’s wool industry has a long and proud history and it’s something international visitors want to learn about.
“We are proud to support Creswick Woollen Mills to continue its 70-year history by expanding its tourism experience for the growing number of visitors.
“The plans will enable visitors to interact with the Alpacas, learn about the manufacturing process and buy some of the fantastic products made from the fine yarn from these great animals.”
The current tourism experience showcases the journey of wool from its source on the alpaca, through the manufacturing process, and how it ends up in product on the shop shelf.
The redevelopment will enable Creswick Woollen Mills to better meet the interests of Asian visitors, who represent a large proportion of annual visitors and provide a boost to the regional economy.
The project will deliver a designated welcome area for tour groups, a large all-weather animal encounter enclosure, more signage and material in Cantonese and Mandarin, and a café showcasing local produce.
By improving the visitor experience to meet the identified demand, the project will create 12 local jobs and increase the number of visitors to the mill by 30 percent within four years, the government said.
The Labor Government grant towards the redevelopment was announced in April by Minister for Agriculture and Regional Development Jaala Pulford, and is funded through the Regional Tourism Infrastructure Fund.
The visitor economy is crucial to the economic development of regional and rural Victoria, with the sector contributing $11.5 billion to the regional economy and generating 114,400 jobs annually.
Source: Victorian Government.
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