New resort aims at overseas market

By Paul Pickering
A NEW resort and spa facility at Yarra Glen’s Balgownie Estate vineyard has emerged as a vital component of a bid by Yarra Valley Tourism to shake the “day-tripper” mentality.
Minister for Tourism Tim Holding presided over the official opening of the facility on Wednesday, 4 April.
The complex, which has taken three years to plan and construct, includes 65 luxury accommodation suites, an a la carte restaurant, and an innovative day spa and health club facilities.
Mr Holding joined Balgownie director Des Forrester in hailing the project as a sign of a new direction in regional tourism.
Mr Forrester declared that the Yarra Valley must focus on attracting overnight visitors if it were to thrive in an increasingly competitive wine tourism industry.
He said that while the region played host to almost three million day-trippers each year, only half a million visitors chose to stay overnight.
“If we can get people to stay overnight they get to see the shire’s other attributes – not just the wineries but the different activities on offer,” Mr Forrester said.
Based on discussions with American tourism representatives, he believes that the new facility will provide an opportunity to penetrate the international tourist market.
Mr Holding agreed that luring overnight visitors would enrich the region.
“Every opportunity we get to tell the story of the unique experiences available here, we have to tell it with gusto,” he said.
“I know this will be a great part of telling the story of the Yarra Valley and what a great place it is to visit.”
The event was attended by Seymour MP Ben Hardman, Evelyn’s Christine Fyffe and Kilsyth’s David Hodgett, as well as representatives of the Shire of Yarra Ranges and local wine industry personalities.