The upgrade, which is jointly funded by Young Shire Council and the Young Visitor & Tourism Partnership, is a dramatic improvement on the previous site.

The powerful technology provided by the system will benefit the promotion of tourism in Young well into the future.

Tourism manager, Shannon O’Connor, explained the need for Young to have a modern, functional and inspirational website and how the new site is the central focus of the integrated marketing campaign promoting Young as a destination for visitors.

“Research shows that over 70 per cent of domestic visitors research a destination on the internet prior to making the decision to stay or visit a destination,” Mr O’Connor said.

“It was important for Young to move into the online environment with a website that enables potential visitors to see what we have to offer and make it easy for them to book accommodation and other items online.

“In all of our marketing activities our call to action will be for customers to visit the website.

“Young has interesting attractions, great shopping, a wide range of restaurants and pubs, quality wineries, stunning produce and wonderful countryside.

“Our task is to promote these qualities to both domestic and international markets and compel them to both visit and stay.

“To do this we will be opening another Visitors Information Centre online. It will be open 24/7 and will increase the number of visitors that we receive, complementing the service we provide locally,” Mr O’Connor said.

The project has been made possible through the commitment of local businesses and community organisations to the Young Visitor & Tourism Partnership.

“The Young Visitor & Tourism Partnership offers excellent opportunities for local businesses to promote their goods and services to visitors,” Mr O’Connor said.

“It provides business with the opportunity to go online with an individual page that can be changed and updated at anytime.