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You can contact us by phone on
+61 2 42 275545
or 1800 240 737
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From the manager's desk... |
With the arrival of the first day of March, the season of autumn is upon us. And although that heralds the end of our traditionally busy summer season, with much to be done as we continue to promote our region domestically and overseas, we won’t be slowing down our activity during the cooler months as Grand Pacific Drive continues to gain momentum.
The team are rearing to go and I expect March to follow on from a productive February, during which we hosted a number of successful famils, Chinese New Year, international workshops and conducted all-important staff training. Remember by working together we can get results !!
More next month
Greg Binskin
General Manager
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Action galore for visiting operators |
Skydiving, Harley Davidson rides and dolphin watching were among the highlights of a visit by 10 inbound tour operators (ITOs) to Wollongong last month, as part of ATEC’s ‘Mega Famil’.
The operators experienced the best the city and region has to offer, including tours of key accommodation properties and the visit was deemed a huge success. They were from a selected group of 40 ITOs Tourism Wollongong met earlier in the month at ATEC workshops held in Sydney, where we showcased Wollongong and Grand Pacific Drive.
It was a good opportunity for the region to network with key industry players and discuss how to forge even stronger working relationships. We were extremely pleased with the positive feedback we received, with even one operator returning for their own personal visit last weekend.
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Chinese schoolies to visit |
Two VIP ANZ Travel representatives visited Wollongong last month to scout potential locations for Chinese school group study programs, from Beijing.
The visitors - Mr. Li and Nicholas Liu – were impressed with their findings. ANZ Travel is already sending excellent group business to the Five Islands Brewery and Hotel Ibis Wollongong and we look forward to developing the relationship further to host more Chinese visitors to the region.
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Seminar targets international markets |
Grand Pacific Drive, along with Tourism NSW and ATEC held an international seminar in February with the aim of updating our operators on changes to the international markets and educating them on ways to becoming export ready.
Tourism Wollongong thanks Tourism NSW representatives Lyndel Gray and Nicole Braden and ATEC representative Gary O’Riordan for their assistance in making the seminar a huge success.
We would also like to thank our 'panel' which consisted of John Radnidge from Symbio Wildlife Gardens, Michael Bolt from Five Islands Brewery and Matt Cross from Dolphin Watch Cruises, who offered great operator insight into their experiences with the international market.
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Grand Pacific Drive master plan in final stages |
The report on the Grand Pacific Drive scoping study / master plan, which will provide a 'blueprint' for the future, is nearing completion, with final drafts currently being finalised.
The report will be a useful tool in identifying the tourism development infrastructure, marketing strategies and opportunities along Grand Pacific Drive and will assist key stakeholders to drive these initiatives.
The study has been made possible due to the NSW State Government and Local Council funding.
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New name and leadership for Rydges |
Changes are continuing at Rydges Wollongong. Not only is the refurbishment ongoing, with a new restaurant OneOne2 launched last month, but the property has undergone a slight name change and a new general manager.
Andrew Reynolds has replaced Jo Acott in the top role of the newly re-named Rydges Central City Wollongong. Welcome Andrew, we look forward to working with you in the future.
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March will be a month of outreach for Wollongong and the Illawarra, with Greg Binskin heading to Hong Kong to promote Grand Pacific Drive at Tourism Australia's Hong Kong Mission, and Sales and Marketing – Special Projects Manager Kate Dombkins travelling across the Tasman to OzTalk New Zealand.
While Greg will be working to further cement relationships with key travel companies in Hong Kong and Taiwan, Kate will be aiming to increase New Zealand’s awareness of Grand Pacific Drive and the Illawarra at OzTalk New Zealand and Road show.
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Tourism Wollongong would like to welcome our newest members. We look forward to working with you in the future in promoting Wollongong and the Illawarra.
- Margaret Mayo Womens College – Wollongong
- Sandon Stop n Stay – Bulli
- Austinmer Garden B&B – Austinmer
- Cino Café – Wollongong
- ZOOM Play & Party Zone - Wollongong
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What: Thirroul Seaside and Arts Festival
When: March 30-April 1
Where: Thirroul village
Info: Click here.
What: Elise Pascoe International Autumn Cooking Series
When: March 10-April 1
Where: Jamberoo
Info: Click here.
What: Wollongong’s 11th Short Film Festival 2007
When: March 24
Where: University of Wollongong
Info: Click here.
What: Rugby League Charity Shield
Who: Dragons versus Rabbitohs
When: March 3
Where: WIN Entertainment Centre
Info: Ph: 4220 2828 or click here.
What: Australian Idol auditions
When: 20th March
Where: University of Wollongong
Info: Click here.
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