THE FUTURE of Somerset’s tourism industry is bright.

Ahead of the 2032 Brisbane Olympics, Somerset Regional Council and its tourism arm, Experience Somerset, will leverage any opportunities to strengthen and promote the region’s tourism sector.

Somerset Mayor Jason Wendt said the region had enormous potential as a tourist hotspot with its prime location just an hour from Brisbane.

“We’ve got the best lakes in South East Queensland and the longest recreational rail trail in Australia – why wouldn’t Somerset be at the top of every visitor list?” Cr Wendt said.

“We’re committed to putting Somerset on the map, and our support for the tourism industry was demonstrated at two recent events.

“Our Council was one of the major sponsors for Legends of Beef, held at the Toogoolawah Showgrounds on Saturday, 29 March.

“This was a fantastic event with mouth-watering, local produce.”

Cr Wendt said the event married together two of the region’s greatest economic drivers – agriculture and tourism.

“Agritourism is exactly what it sounds like, it’s farmers putting on a different hat, welcoming people onto property and giving them a taste of their rural lifestyle.

“This is something we do well here in Somerset.”

The following Wednesday, 2 April, the Somerset Tourism Development Workshop invited operators from across the region for a free hands-on session and networking opportunity in Esk.

The event, organised by Experience Somerset and presented by regional tourism consultants Tilma Group, welcomed operators from Jimna Base Camp, Rail Trail Refuge, The Stonehouse Retreat, Ottaba Llamas, Esk Caravan Park, Kilcoy Motel, and Rustic Brew Café and Plush Lifestyle.

Attendees workshopped ideas at the Esk Library before touring the Esk Caravan Park and Brisbane Valley Roasters.

The workshop was jointly funded by the Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).

Cr Wendt said Somerset was primed for growth in the tourism sector.

“We really punch above our weight and provide some truly memorable experiences for visitors,” Cr Wendt said.

“The Brisbane Valley Rail Trail, Lake Somerset and Lake Wivenhoe bring thousands of people to the region every year and we have art galleries in almost every town, beautiful camping spots, rolling hills, picturesque backdrops, historic buildings and, of course, the elusive Yowie.

“These assets bring people to the region, but it’s our people that are doing the heavy lifting to keep our economy moving – our farmers, our artists, our tourism operators – they give people a reason to stay.”