The NSW Minister for Trade, Tourism and Major Events, Stuart Ayres, officially opened the centre yesterday.

"This is a really special place, a secret we haven't shared with enough people," Mr Ayres said in praise of the "fantastic centre in one of the most important tourism destinations our state has."

The Minister also recognised the newly tech-savvy centre as the region's chance to "blend tourism into trade", exporting local products overseas, "taking the Southern Highlands to the world".

One of the makeover's most important features is the introduction of "hot desks" with meeting areas for businesspeople to attract commerce and industry activities as well as recreational visitors.

Equally, the new design includes a video wall with looped regional footage alongside interactive touchscreens, connecting people to local places and products, as well as improved disabled access.

Destination Southern Highlands group manager Steve Rosa said the Welcome Centre had been the tourism team's "vision" for five years, revitalising the 20-year-old building's image and purpose.

The Welcome Centre was a "futuristic and sustainable model with leading-edge services," Mr Rosa said.

It was a "destination showcase" with a "concierge service equivalent to a five-star hotel", an electric car recharge station - "the first south of Sydney" - plus electric bicycles for hire.

The installation of solar panels will also deliver the centre the benefits of renewable energy.

Wingecarribee Mayor Duncan Gair recalled the council's acquisition of the former petrol station site in the mid 1990s, and the 1969 opening of the original tourist bureau in Winifred West Park.

As for the new centre, "You can only but feel proud of the Southern Highlands," Cr Gair said.

Mr Rosa thanked the builders, Dobsonei, led by managing director Mark Dobson, for their work.

Photographer Dee Kramer was invited to present a framed image of Fitzroy Falls to the Minister, who toasted "the future of the Southern Highlands, and may many people see it".