General News
21 December, 2025
Full steam ahead for tourism
THE bold move to take over Kuranda Visitors Information Centre as of July this year is already proving beneficial for Mareeba Shire’s Local Tourism Organisation.
Key changes for the LTO this year included the transition to becoming a corporate association in its own right, which was a “big step forward”; the review of the Local Tourism Organisation Action Plan; and the news of the management of the Kuranda Visitor Centre.
The purpose of the new management and operation for the Visitors Centre was to better connect post-arrival visitor services with the destination marketing already being delivered by the LTO.
“This alignment helps improve the visitor experience and supports continued tourism growth across the Shire,” LTO chairperson and Mareeba Shire Deputy Mayor Lenore Wyatt said.
“In 2023-24, total tourism sales in the Mareeba Shire reached a record high of $192.6 million and we can now combine to progress visitor numbers, length of stays and activities in the short and long-term future.”
She said drive holidays were popular, and international tourism numbers were “coming back” to the region. In particular, the Kuranda visitor numbers were “terrific”.
A further benefit has been the appointment of Simone Van Der Zwaag as manager of the Kuranda Visitor Information Centre.
Ms Van Der Zwaag has lived in Kuranda for over 13 years and brings a wealth of experience including tourism, small business, and creative services to her role.
“Her career includes operating and selling Café Mandala Kuranda, co-operating a building company servicing the Mareeba Shire, and working as a freelance graphic designer, providing marketing, social media management, and website development services to local businesses,” Cr Wyatt said.
“This blend of tourism knowledge, entrepreneurial experience, and creative expertise underpins her leadership at the Kuranda Visitor Information Centre, where she strives to enhance the visitor experience and support the local tourism community.”
Visitor Information Services play a crucial role in supplying and distributing information about the shire to both local and international visitors, with the Kuranda facility a major gateway to the region and a key resource in promoting the village and the wider Mareeba Shire.
Partners of Mareeba Shire Tourism are eligible for free brochure display in the shire’s visitor information centres at Kuranda and Mareeba.
Details on partnership levels, including free and paid options, are available at visitmareebashire.org/mareeba-shire-tourism-partner-program
“We are always on the lookout for new volunteers to join the Visitor Centre team,” Ms Van Der Zwaag said.
“It’s a great way to meet people, explore the region, and give back.”
