A new tourism app with artificial intelligence technology will encourage food and wine lovers to explore Southern Downs and Granite Belt region’s dramatic landscapes, stunning waterfalls and massive precariously balanced granite boulders.

Southern Downs Mayor Vic Pennisi said the free Southern Downs and Granite Belt Visitor App was an “exciting tool and ultimate resource” to support the region’s tourism industry and enhance the visitor experience.

“Located just 90 minutes from Brisbane, we’ve seen a real upswing in fellow Aussies exploring our region,” Cr Pennisi said.

“The new Southern Downs and Granite Belt tourism app provides an interactive platform for visitors to immerse themselves in the tourist experience and features an exciting artificial intelligence element, the new Dunny Dash Art Trail.

“Following on from the success of silo art trails across regional Australia, we thought we’d try something different and transform our public toilet blocks with painted murals by local artists.

“Using the app, you just need to hold your smart phone up to one of the 12 art murals dotted across the Southern Downs and unique information on the artwork and the artist will be at your fingertips.”

Cr Pennisi said the app would be a valuable resource for visitors.

“We welcome nearly a million visitors annually, which generates $176 million for our regional economy and we see the app as an integral way to enhance the visitor experience both before and during a trip to the Southern Downs with interactive maps, self-guided walking tours, events calendars and of course the unique Dunny Dash Art Trail,” he said.

The app can be used offline and features up-to-date information on attractions, accommodation, events, restaurants, wineries, travel tips and more.

The app is available to download from the Apple App Store and Google Play.