More and more tourists are allowing their fingers to do the walking when exploring a new place instead of their feet.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
That's why Cowra Tourism's new website is targeting smartphone users in order to drive more visitor dollars to town.
"Industry trends show the majority of travellers now research their trips and make bookings on their mobile phones so it's imperative that we got mobile compatible," Cowra Tourism manager Belinda Virgo said.
"With 89 per cent of Australians now owning a smartphone, it's obviously critical for us to maintain a mobile-friendly site in order to compete."
The revamped website includes an expanded accommodation section with a book now feature which links users in with the provider's own website.
Their What's On section has also received an overhaul, with members and community stakeholders now able to their own events as well as a new save-the-date section, which highlights upcoming events.
Cowra Tourism's Fee Jennings spent 100 hours creating the new-look site.
"I wanted something clean, easy to use, that didn't look cluttered and showed off our best imagery in Cowra," she said.
"We're trying to sell an experience [with] images people can see themselves in, doing those sort of activities."
Ms Jennings said the added functionality has improved the user experience.
"I think most people are happy with their listings, most people find it user friendly and easy to navigate," she said.
"For the service providers, it's got a lot of information and it's linked to their website. It's also got the Google Maps feature as well so when people come to town they can find the businesses.
"For people coming to the Cowra region it's your one-stop-shop for shopping, accommodation, attractions, history."
That's not all that's new though.
"Customers now have the opportunity to leave reviews for businesses on the website as well," Ms Virgo said.
"Customer reviews are really an industry trend, and we're meeting a consumer demand by including that as well."
Stage two of the website is coming soon and will include an online store selling local wine, produce and souvenirs, as well as a Cowra Tourism blog.
More Wiradjuri content will feature, as well as profiles on local producers and Cowra alumni, and online ticket sales will also be added.
"We're pleased that we've been able to foster that kind of talent within our organisation and develop this in-house," Ms Virgo said.
"The Cowra Tourism website receives a quarter of a million hits every year. It's a very busy site and a great vehicle for our members to promote their businesses."
Check out the new site for yourself at www.cowratourism.com.au.