Member News II 21st August
The sunshine lately sure makes things feel just that little bit brighter. We hope this incredible weather will continue through to the upcoming school holidays and October long weekend.
It is exciting news that the Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary will open to the public on 26 September and that we can offer our members the opportunity to attend a pre-opening site visit on 24 September. Please see below and note that registration is required to attend the site visit.
Please keep in touch with DPS and if we can assist in any way please reach out.
Take care.
Eileen, Sharon and Nat
DPS MARKETING
In late July, the “Incredible by Nature” digital campaign in partnership with Destination NSW, was placed on hold due to COVID-19 circumstances. During this time, DPS focused on building awareness and inspiration which included:
- Social media and EDM’s featuring the local character videos to continue to build awareness and inspiration
- Front cover and four-page feature in the August edition of InTouch Magazine – print and digital distribution within the Newcastle & Hunter region
- Australian Traveller online article “best activities for families with kids in Port Stephens” and EDM inclusion to 70,000+ subscribers on 10 August
- From late-August, sponsored (paid) social media posts targeting Northern Regional NSW
Over the next few weeks the following marketing activities will be in market:
- DPS has negotiated for the outdoor brand advertising on the Light Rail Train wrap and exterior train panels in Sydney to be extended until December 2020.
- Social Media and digital to promote activities for the school holidays
- Destination feature in Australian Traveller EDM to over 70,000+ subscribers on w/c 6 September
- 30 and 15 second TV advertising targeting Orange/Dubbo/Tamworth/Armidale and surrounds recommenced on air from w/c 6 September until early October.
- Recommencing the “Incredible by Nature” digital campaign to drive post school holidays visitation
SAVE THE DATE – Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary Site Visit – Thursday, 24 September 2020
DPS members have the opportunity to participate in a pre-opening site visit of the new Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary on Thursday, 24 September. This exciting new attraction for Port Stephens will open to the public on Saturday, 26 September.
The site inspection will be conducted in two groups with set times limited to a maximum 20 per group as we need to adhere to COVID-19 safety guidelines. If there is an over-subscription to attend please register on the wait list and if required DPS will organise an additional site visit.
BOOK YOUR TIME NOW
Where: Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary, 562 Gan Gan Rd, One Mile
Date: Thursday 24 September 2020
Time: Group 1 1500-1545 Group 2 1600-1645
DOMESTIC TRAVELLER PROFILES
To help operators better target domestic travellers by understanding their needs, Tourism Research Australia has released 22 new domestic traveller profiles, based on the different demographics and activities of domestic overnight visitors. Find out about the profiles and how to use them here.
HAVE YOUR SAY ABOUT THE FUTURE OF PORT STEPHENS
Help make Port Stephens a better place to live, work and shop and take part in the region’s biggest ever place census.
Take the survey to tell what you value about your town and how you would make it better. The first part of the survey asks you about your ideal neighbourhood, and the second part gets you to rate your neighbourhood which takes 5-7 minutes to complete.
The results from the survey will give Port Stephens Council a clear way to prioritise investments and make sure they are delivering works that align with what the community values. The survey is now live and closes on Sunday 4 October 2020. We would also be grateful if you could share this with your networks.
As an incentive, survey participants will also be in with the chance to win one of ten $100 vouchers!
SPECIAL OFFERS – Free Promotion
If you have a special offer to attract visitors between now and the summer peak season (September-December – can exclude long weekends and school holidays) please send through the details so DPS can promote on our website and via our digital and social media activities. Send to natalie@portstephenstourism.com.au
FUNDING AND GRANTS
Expedia Group Revive and Relief Program
Expedia is committing $400 million to help independent and chain hotels rebuild their business and optimise cash flow, in response to the impact of COVID-19. Expedia Group will reinvest 25 per cent of the compensation earned in 2019 from participating properties into marketing credits for use with Expedia Group. The company is also reducing its compensation on all new bookings made within the three-month program period. Read more
Live Music Australia Competitive Grant Program
The Live Music Australia program is part of the Australian Music Industry Package, announced on 30 March 2019. The program is designed to bring more live music to Australian communities and will fund applications that support quality original Australian live music that is professionally staged, with a focus on small to medium venues. Closes 13 September 2020.
RESOURCES & TRAINING
Online Mental Health Skills Training
The NSW Government is helping to create mentally healthy workplaces by offering non-government businesses with fewer than 200 employees access to free programs. Learn more about common mental health conditions, how to boost your resilience at work, and what supports are available if you need them. See the NSW Government website for many available courses.
Business Connect Toolkit
A new online toolkit is helping businesses as they continue to navigate the challenges of COVID-19. Developed by the NSW Government’s business advisory service, Business Connect, the toolkit includes more than 35 webinars on a range of business-related subjects, fact sheets and training videos. Topics include Building a Successful Online Store, Survive and Thrive during COVID-19 and Brand Building. To access the Business Connect Online Toolkit click here.
Australian Regional Tourism Conference: 26th – 28th October 2020
The Australian Regional Tourism Convention (ARTC) is a must-attend event for local councils, regional tourism organisations, tourism professionals and business and government personnel who wish to contribute to the future of regional tourism in Australia. This year’s convention will be held in Ballarat and the theme is ‘Building resilient and adaptive communities that thrive’. Read more.
Ecotourism Australia’s Annual Conference
For the first time in its 28-year history, Ecotourism Australia’s annual Global Eco Asia Pacific Tourism Conference will be both held as a live conference in Margaret River, WA (1-3 December 2020) and be available to attend online via live stream. Register here.
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