“We were up 40 per cent from this time last year.

“We have had a blinder.

“We went from 777 last year in the school holidays to 1168 these school holidays, and Easter was in March last year.”

Ms Ferguson said information requests also grew.

“We had 181 people ask about tourism, food and accommodation, so increase visitors to us, means more business and economic growth in town.”

Cowra Tourism Information, the Japanese Gardens and AOF are working with Central West Community College and will train staff and volunteers in retail.

“We have people attending a course

tomorrow, which they will finish next week. People will receive their certificate II in retail,” Ms Mort said.

“It is great we can work together was we have a common goal, to increase the amount of people that come to visit our area.”

The three prong attack will target schools and bus groups to start off with.

“We are very excited.

“An increase in visitors, increase in the length of time they stay and increased

spending are our goals,” Ms Ferguson said.