Blue Mountains tourism put its best foot forward on Saturday with the launch of the inaugural Festival of Walking.
Hoping to encourage more visitors to extend their stays beyond day-trips, Blue Mountains Lithgow and Oberon Tourism (BMLOT) has created an eight-day program — October 8-15 — featuring scenic walks across the region.
The idea was sparked by Mountains resident Marie Wood who read about a similar event off the south coast of England that attracts more than 25,000 people to the Isle of Wight each year.
“I thought that’s what we need here . . . I’m really very thrilled about it and I think anybody who loves the Mountains [will enjoy it] . . . I think it will put us on the map in time,” said Mrs Wood.
A healthy crowd turned out for the official launch on a typically misty Mountains morning with many expressing confidence the festival will grow from its humble beginnings to become an important attraction for the region.
BMLOT chairman Randall Walker said the organisation was focused on creating unique events to boost the tourist dollars flowing into the area.
“The Festival of Walking . . . will be a perfect fit for the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area and Blue Mountains National Park,” said Mr Walker. “It will absolutely snowball.”
The festival features a mixture of paid walks with professional guides and free self-guided events including themed walks, photographic exhibitions and walks to mystery locations.
Launch guest of honour, National Parks and Wildlife Service head Sally Barnes, said the Festival of Walking would also serve to protect the world heritage area.
“What’s good for tourism is actually good for conservation . . . The more people who fall in love with more beautiful places, the more they’ll want to protect them,” said Ms Barnes. “This will be a fantastic festival that I’m sure will go on for years and years to come.”
Official Website: http://www.bluemts.com.au/festivalofwalking/
See More: http://walkingfestivals.blogspot.com/2011/01/blue-mountains-lithgow-and-oberon.html
