3 May 2011
Fraser Coast Regional Council has announced a partnership with media supporters the Fraser Coast Chronicle and Channel Seven to promote the highly successful Fraser Coast Staycations scheme.
During a 25-week period, starting May 2011, the region’s two largest media outlets will support Council’s marketing initiatives by implementing a $100,000 multi-media campaign to boost the Fraser Coast economy.
The Fraser Coast Chronicle and Channel 7 are jointly providing the campaign free of charge to the Fraser Coast.
Supporting editorial, multi-media coverage and an extensive advertisement series will help raise consumer awareness of Fraser Coast Staycations and increase resident sign up and business take up of the scheme.
Staycations rewards residents for spending locally by offering discounts and deals from regional businesses and attractions.
It offers residents generous incentives to holiday, shop and dine locally and encourages visiting friends and relatives to lengthen their stay and spend more while in the region.
Fraser Coast Mayor Mick Kruger says the Fraser Coast Regional Council initiative is becoming a major economic driver for this region.
“Staycations provides all regional businesses - not only the tourism industry – an opportunity to leverage off a proven formula that provides benefits for all,” Cr Kruger said.
“It helps stimulate regional business by encouraging residents to explore and spend in their backyard.”
Peter and Jodie Lynch from Blue Dolphin Marine Tours say they fully support the Staycations initiatives.
"Through the Fraser Coast Staycation program Blue Dolphin Marine Tours is now experiencing more locals on our tours than ever before. All have enjoyed the experience so much that many have come again or promise to do so with visiting friends."
Danielle Hore of Wild Lotus Restaurant and Bar says the Hervey Bay Esplanade restaurant is proud to partner with Staycations.
“Through the Staycations program we are able to offer locals great discounts and deals and our local customer base is increasing as a result.
“Staycations is a fantastic program encouraging locals to holiday on the Fraser Coast and enjoy all the amazing experiences that we have right here in our own backyard.
"The Fraser Coast has so much to offer from incredible tours and attractions to fantastic dining and shopping experiences. The Staycations program encourages locals to get out there and experience all that the Fraser Coast has to offer through great deals and discounts," Danielle said.
"Staycations is a win-win for both Fraser Coast businesses and residents as it allows local businesses to promote their products and services through great deals that encourage residents to holiday and shop locally."
Council’s revamped Staycations “locals” campaign has had an extremely successful start. In just a few short weeks of the campaign there have been over 4,470 new registrations bringing the membership to more than 10,000 active cardholders. In addition, over 10,000 visitors to the campaign website have accessed 61,000 pages of information on regional businesses and their special Staycations offers.
Cr Kruger says he believes that with the Chronicle and Channel 7 media partnership being launched today, consumer awareness of the campaign will be even greater with even more use of the Staycations cards by willing residents.
“Feedback received from regional businesses has been extremely positive. Around 100 businesses are currently involved but with support from our media partners Channel Seven and the Fraser Coast Chronicle, we believe we can greatly increase this number.
“Our media partners are showing their great commitment to the region and willingness to help drive economic recovery by partnering with us in the largest “buy local” campaign ever implemented on the Fraser Coast,” Cr Kruger said.
Businesses wanting to benefit from this free promotional campaign can register on www.ourfrasercoast.com.au or contact the Council on 1300 79 49 29.
