People hoping to see the Duke and Duchess of Sussex in reality at Dubbo will be encouraged to start their “own royal tour” of the region next month.
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Frontline staff of the city’s visitors information centre are already letting tourists know there’s an “iconic location” for visitors of any rank to explore.
Dubbo Regional Council economic development and marketing manager Josie Howard reported of plans for the sector to make the most of the royal couple’s visit on October 17.
The team at the visitors centre were encouraging people to stay “an extra day or two” and make it a regional experience.
“Going to see Taronga Western Plains Zoo and the Old Dubbo Gaol, the cultural centre, the theatre, the Wellington Caves, but also to take that extra time to explore the wider region because it is this drought, the impact of the drought that has sparked some interest from the royal couple,” Ms Howard said.
“So going and supporting those additional economies is really important and plays into what this regional tour is about.
“So you could start your own royal tour.”
The council would also be doing some social media linking in with the royal visit to encourage people to come to Dubbo, the marketing manager reported.
“...take that extra time because this is a great opportunity for families to experience not only what Dubbo has to offer, but get out from behind screens, start experiencing the real Australia...,” Ms Howard said.
Accommodation operators have reported bookings have spiked at the announcement of the royal visit.
Ms Howard said there were plans if no vacancy signs went up across the city.
“Our visitors centre works on a regional basis, so if we get to the point where occupancy is at capacity, which we have done in the city for other events, we connect in with our other surrounding centres,” she said.
“So obviously we’ll be pushing for Wellington as well, because it’s only 25 minutes away, we’ll be connecting in with other advocates in Narromine, in Gilgandra, travelling half an hour to experience something like this is really a no-brainer.”
Ms Howard reported inquiries were also being fielded from school, sporting and military groups.
The DREAM Festival is also encouraging visitors to come for its October 18 to 28 program.