It’s been a complicated process, involving the correct balance of stakeholders, informing tourism operators and setting about the technical task of working out the structure of the new arrangement.

But at last, Orange Region Tourism is setting about forming one website to manage bookings for tourist accommodation, events, restaurants and other services.

With no existing event schedule in Orange providing a comprehensive list, hopefully one website will also make finding out what’s on a little easier. 

One website will undoubtedly bring benefits – all holidaymakers and business travellers want things to be easy, the fewer websites they have to visit to book their trip, the better. 

The tourism body’s intention to serve the entire area will also group features in Orange with those in other areas, encouraging people to venture further afield while they’re here. 

But a recent economic development forum revealed Orange’s continued tourism growth is dependent on more than better co-ordination of bookings and events. 

We are, of course, talking about infrastructure. 

Outback NSW representatives heard during their recent Orange visit about the need for better transport connections. 

These included everything from an easier road trip from Sydney, to more frequent flights and trains. 

With Brand Orange also targeting Canberrans recently, the capital city connection will also become important.

It is one thing to attract people to Orange, it is another to physically bring them here and we know that the journey from Sydney can be congested when travellers have to compete with those stopping their weekend trip in the Blue Mountains. 

Sure, Orange has reached 1.2 million visitors in a year with infrastructure and services as they are, but improved services will be crucial to sustained growth long-term. 

While tourism is not considered an employer in itself – different operators are considered part of different industries – many businesses rely on the tourist dollar and advocacy for better transport will be just as important going forward as a one-stop booking portal.