Tourism Australia visited Wollongong this week to provide information on how operators and residents can be more engaged with major campaigns targeting international visitors.
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The aquatic and coastal focus is the latest addition to its There’s Nothing Like Australia initiative. And Destination Wollongong general manager Mark Sleigh said that would provide opportunities for picturesque seaside cities such as Wollongong and Shellharbour.
One of the important items discussed was how operators could tap in and make the most of it. Mr Sleigh said the fact so many turned up wanting to know showed just how proactive those in the region were.
His comments came after Tourism Australia Industry Relations manager Glen Davis spoke of how effective Symbio Wildlife Park had been in gaining international traction on social media. With over seven million fans Tourism Australia’s Facebook page has the most likes of any destination page in the world. And its Instagram account has 2.2 million followers.
Symbio’s Kevin Fallon has been very successful in posting images that have been picked up and re-posted on both with enormous success. Ms Davis said Symbio had worked very closely with Tourism Australia’s social media marketers with amazing results.
Ms Sleigh said having Tourism Australia’s two main campaigns based around food & wine and aquatics could not be any better for the region. We have some fantastic operators who are already doing fantastic things. And the work Symbio has done with Tourism Australia has resulted in Wollongong being promoted around the world. And Warren Keelan is winning awards for his aquatic photography all around the world. It is important we take as many operators on this journey as we can. And up-skill as many people as we possibly can.”
Mr Sleigh said the great thing about social media was that everyone could be an advocate and salesperson for their city and region.
“What Tourism Australia have been speaking about today is the opportunity for everyone with a Smart Phone to be able to engage and sell Wollongong to the world,” he said.
Mr Davis suggested anyone enjoying nice food in a fantastic location to take a photo and post it on social media with hashtags such as #visitwollongong, #seeaustralia and #restaurantaustralia.
Ms Sleigh said Tourism Australia provided channels that reached many people around the world. “It is up to each and every one of us to go out there and share the opportunity,’’ he said.
“We were blown away when we saw the RSVPs for this particular event. People even traveled up from Jervis Bay to come and get that knowledge.”
Ms Sleigh said encouraged everyone to use the many channels Tourism Australia and Destination NSW provided to get maximum exposure for the region. That is why Instameets are being held at regular intervals (the next one in May) so everyone has the opportunity to promote the region.
“Being able to combine aquatics with food and wine is perfect for Wollongong. Take a picture of a fantastic meal at a fantastic coastal venue. Lets get it out there and share them with the world and show what Wollongong has to offer.”
