'Get to know your Backyard' Campaign Success

Published on 20 November 2017

‘GET TO KNOW YOUR BACKYARD’ TOURISM CAMPAIGN SUCCESS

MEDIA RELEASE

Gannawarra Shire Council’s ‘Get to know your backyard’ tourism campaign has been deemed a success. Held during the week of 16 October the campaign was aimed at encouraging locals to learn more about the area they live in.

During the campaign street pods featured in Kerang and Cohuna where people passing by were provided with information, including links to the www.visitkck.com.au website, visitor guides and tourism maps showcasing what’s available to see and do within the Gannawarra Shire. Mayor Brian Gibson said the campaign was a great way of showcasing what tourism activities and hospitality venues Gannawarra Shire has to offer, not only to visitors but to local residents.

“The campaign was greatly supported by a range of generous local businesses who offered discounted vouchers for food, accommodation and tourism services. The level of support from the participating businesses was very positive” said Mayor Gibson.

During the campaign a number of promotional giveaways were held with the opportunity to win accommodation and dining vouchers from local businesses including; Murray Waters Motor Inn and Apartments, Wetlander Cruises, Factory and Field, Long Paddock Food Store, Chino’s on Victoria, Bower Tavern, Kerang Ten Pin Bowling, DMAC on Market, Old Farmercy Coffee Shop, Gray’s Bakery and Farm 253.

Three street community engagement sessions where held in Cohuna, and five in Kerang, which provided one on one contact with individuals offering information on things to see and do in the shire and an entry into the voucher giveaway. Mayor Gibson said feedback from the hosts of Cohuna’s Monday session, Cr Sonia Wright and Peter Bibby, is that the campaign was received positively by those engaged.

“During the campaign a total of 892 people engaged in the street sessions held in Cohuna and Kerang and a large number of positive comments about the area were received with two ladies visiting Kerang from Charlton saying ‘It’s been lovely, every shop we’ve been into we’ve bought something’.”

“Our tourism website (www.visitkck.com.au) also saw a dramatic increase in visits during the campaign and the number of page views in a session with a 118% increase in sessions during the week of the promotion”.

“The ‘Get to know your Backyard’ campaign is widely supported by the regional tourism strategy as a way of encouraging greater participation and understanding of tourism by the local community,” says Mayor Gibson.

Visit the www.visitkck.com.au website for more information on accommodation, hospitality and tourism activities available within the Gannawarra Shire.

For more information please contact Council on 5450 9333 or visit council’s website www.gsc.vic.gov.au

…ENDS…

Date: 20 November 2017

Media contact: Katrina Thorne T. 03 5450 9333 M. 0409 616 627