A new dumping station for liquid waste was constructed as a part of the city’s RV-friendly bid and is said to bring an estimated $15million dollars in tourism. In addition to the dumping station, the city offers parking spots for caravans and RVs which are free and open on a 24-hour basis so travelers can stay overnight.
According to the article written by Jon Solmundson for the Geraldton Guardian, Campervan and Motor-home Club of Australia’s Geraldton “Batavians” chapter vice-president Mike Kendrick said the new parking spots had been full most nights since opening last month.
“Someone was telling me, they said ‘we were going to go straight through to Dongara’ but they stopped here, went into town, spent money — another bloke stopped here to get his car serviced — but that’s what it’s all about, getting people to stop and spend a little money,” he said.
President John Rogers of the CMCA Batavians said that the free overnight stay offer would lure RV travelers to spend the day in town and would therefore lead to a huge increase in sales.
According to city mayor Shane Van Styn, the decision to place an RV dumping station in the CBD rather than on the highway will give visitors a reason to drive into the city rather than just pass through.
“By capturing just those visitors who currently bypass our city, we can realistically increase overnight stays by 50 per cent, resulting in an estimated $9.5 million boost per year to our local economy.
“If you add $3.7 million in industrial flow-on effects, $1.6 million in value-added services and $860,000 in added salaries and wages, we can factor an additional $6.1 million in economic benefits to our business community.”
CMCA chairman Garry Lee said the access to free dumping station and potable water for RV travelers will ultimately provide Geraldton with the integrity to name itself as the sole provider for all RV requirements outside of Perth.
“Geraldton has all of these (RV-friendly requirements) which now enables us to promote Geraldton as the final opportunity to stock up on essential supplies or undertake repairs before you head north,” he said.
Full Article by Jon Solmundson courtesy of Yahoo News.
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