New manager to greet Harvey visitors

A lifelong involvement in tourism and hospitality has provided Harvey Visitor Centre’s new manager Helen Denton with a solid knowledge of the industry and an enthusiasm to show visitors what the Shire of Harvey has to offer.

Ms Denton, who took up the position last month, grew up in motels as her parents managed the first motel in Bunbury.

She has owned a motel in Esperance, managed a hotel in Broken Hill as well as resorts and worked as a AAA Hotel Inspector in the South West and Northern Territory.

Ms Denton said she had a lot of ideas, all aimed at increasing numbers coming through the centre and encouraging tourists to spend a night in the shire.

“The centre does not just represent Harvey but the whole of the shire and we need to develop a strategy where the Harvey brand stands out,” she said.

“I am working closely with the Harvey Visitor Centre board and will discuss ideas with them to decide on the best strategies.

“Visitor centres are all about personal contact with people and giving them a great experience.

“We are seeing a lot of people choosing to travel along the South Western Highway instead of the Forrest Highway, and there is potential for us to make them stop, look around and spend some time in the Harvey shire.

“We have the assets and tourist attractions here but need to improve marketing and promotion.

“There is an opportunity to tap into the international market and international visitors are very interested in the indigenous culture.”

Showcasing and offering a wider range of high quality products from the area and rearranging the interior of the centre to make it more welcoming are some of Ms Denton’s short-term plans.

She is enthusiastic about meeting all tourism and accommodation providers personally and develop a close working relationship which benefits both.