Tourism for the disabled regarded as a new niche tourism market

Several times recently I’ve heard people talk about the disabled being a new market segment for tourism. A few weeks ago when I was in Gippsland (Eastern Vic) I met Ann Andrew who had given up her librarian’s job and ‘gone into tourism’. She had done all the ‘right’ things re: market research and a business plan, then bitten the bullet and launched into the building phase of her Frog Gully Cottages self-catering accommodation venture….very nerve-wracking Ann said, watching the money going out!

HOW DID ANN TACKLE THE PROJECT?

Ann told me how this was her project and although husband Dallas knew what she was planning, she really had been ‘driving solo’ with the business plan and her visit to the Council Planning Officer. After a while she heard Dal talking about the project at dinner parties and in the end he had been a huge help when she needed the practical male ‘can do’ bit for road construction through their farm property and a myriad of other practical things.

Ann had long thought that, after the many years of drought on the land, their greatest asset was their position, overlooking the picturesque, bird and frog filled La Trobe River wetlands. She was determined to make the most of it and make sure their beautiful site would be accessible to all. After the contemorary ‘look’ of the two cottages was decided, Ann was guided by her builder in making the cottages comfortable and welcoming for all.

WHAT ARE FROG GULLY COTTAGES LIKE?

Brand spanking new, ‘Pobblebonk’ and ‘Tiddalik’ are four-star rated and sit overlooking a gully on the Andrew’s Longford property, adjacent to the Sale Golf Course, around 220 km east of Melbourne.

-Each cottage has two bedrooms and two bathrooms;
-One bathroom in each cottage is completely wheelchair friendly;
-Storage is in drawers, there are no overhead shelves and benches are slightly lower than usual;
-Access from the carpark and onto the deck and BBQ area is step free;
-The attractive, central living-kitchen area is open and spacious.

HOW IS IT ALL GOING?

Ann is happy with the occupancy rate, which is growing slowly. They have had a few international visitors coming from Canberra and the Snowy on their way to the Comm. Games finding it just the perfect spot to stop for an easy last leg on to Melbourne.

Ann and Dallas seem to be enjoying both their visitors and learning about how to cater for their needs and encourage longer stays with local information and interesting daytrips. They recently had two couples, both experienced travellers, who stayed on an extra night because they were so comfortable but they haven’t had any golfers yet!!

FOR MORE INFO CONTACT: Ann & Dallas Andrew P: 03 5149 7242 M: 0439 369 057 E: ann@froggully.com.au