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From the Managers' desk ...
Welcome to WINTER!
It's hard to believe we are now halfway through the year with no signs of a slow-down in activity. Tourism Wollongong is gearing up to attend one of the biggest events in the tourism calendar - the Australian Tourism Exchange (ATE) in Adelaide this month, where tourism buyers from all over the world converge to seek out new Australian product.
The Illawarra region has been accepted into the western module for the first time with Grand Pacific Drive, focusing on midweek visitation.
More accolades - and opportunity - for Grand Pacific Drive this month include a $60,000 grant from the NSW Government to undertake a scoping study for the route and inclusion in various coach, wholesale and travel brochures.
It's certainly a case of full steam ahead!
Until next month
Greg Binskin - General Manager
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Funding received for Grand Pacific Drive Scoping Study
Australia's newest coastal tourism drive has been given a $60,000 boost from the NSW Government to support a scoping study for the route.
Announced by the Minister for the Illawarra, David Campbell, the grant will allow Tourism Wollongong and its project partners Wollongong City Council, Shellharbour City Council, Kiama Council and Wingecarribee Council to identify infrastructure needs, employment, gaps in the product offering and development opportunities.
It couldn't have come at a better time, according to Jim Eddy, who says it's exciting to see how much interest the route has generated both in the media and with the travelling public.
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Illawarra Tourism Awards - FREE seminar!
Operators who would like some assistance in writing their award submissions can attend a FREE seminar hosted by Tourism NSW on Monday June 5, at Rydges Wollongong (3-4.30pm) or Warilla Bowls and Recreation Club (5.15-6.45pm).
This seminar will help operators in writing state and regional award submissions. It's certainly not too late to RSVP for these seminars. Please contact Kate Dombkins on 4228 0300 or via email.
Entry packs for the 2006 Illawarra Tourism Awards will be sent to all operators next month.
To be held at City Beach Function Centre on Wednesday 20 September, plans for the competition and presentation are progressing well and we believe the event will be the best yet!
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AHA Award win for Novotel Northbeach!
Novotel Northbeach picked up two awards at the Australian Hotels Association Awards held in late May.
The property was highly commended in the 'Hotel Function Venue of the Year 2006' category and employee Patricia Stewart was highly commended in the 'Sydney Rooms Division Employee of the Year 2006'.
Congratulations Novotel! It's great to see Wollongong properties up there with the best of them.
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New Members - Welcome!
Tourism Wollongong takes pleasure in welcoming new members and look forward to working closely with them in the future.
Welcome to:
- Helensburgh Saddlery - Helensburgh
- Pepies Takeaway - Stanwell Park
- Otford Apple Pie Shop - Otford
- Pot of Gold Mexican Cantina - Wollongong
- Sheerwater Art & Accommodation - Scarborough (pictured)
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Wollongong and Illawarra to have presence at ATE
Tourism Wollongong's General Manager- Greg Binskin and Kate Dombkins - Sales and Marketing- Special Projects will represent the Illawarra region at the Australian Tourism Exchange in Adelaide this month.
To be held from June 16-23, ATE is Australia's premier travel trade event for international tourism buyers. It provides a forum for Australian tourism businesses to showcase their products, meet overseas contacts and negotiate business deals.
The Eastern module has proven to be successful with strong awareness in China, Hong Kong, Korea and Taiwan, but this year for the first time, the Illawarra region has been accepted into the Western module, with Grand Pacific Drive the main focus.
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Locals get a taste of Illawarra's attractions
Wollongong and the Illawarra will be featured at the BHP Health and Lifestyle Expo on Saturday June 17.
The event will be a great opportunity to showcase the activities and attractions available in the Illawarra to the 'locals', with the aim to encourage them to get out and explore their own backyard.
For more information, click here.
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Illawarra showcased as camping destination
Wollongong and the Illawarra was showcased at the annual Melbourne Caravan and Camping Show last month.
The event proved a great opportunity to showcase Wollongong and the Illawarra as a fantastic region for camping to our southern neighbours.
The area is now more accessible to Victorians due to the daily flights between Wollongong and Melbourne on QantasLink. QantasLink will also be introducing weekend flights on this leg very soon. Watch this space!
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Networking success
Tourism Wollongong's quarterly networking function was a great opportunity to update members with our activity and provide insight as to our direction for the future bsuiness activity.
It was great to see Wollongong's Lord Mayor, Alex Darling attend, along with CEO, Rod Oxley and Councillor Alice Cartan.
Tourism Wollongong is planning to hold some seminars over the next few months on topics including yield management, marketing and customer service.
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Cheap flights as QantasLink celebrates!
It's hard to believe, but a whole year has passed since QantasLink began its service between the Illawarra and Melbourne!
...And to celebrate, the airline has announced a First Birthday Sale! For more information or to book a flight, check with your licenced travel agent or visit their website.
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Upcoming Events ....
From theatrics to performing arts and sport, there's plenty of entertainment in the offering in the region this month.
Celebrations:
- Illawarra Steelers 25th Anniversary Dinner, Thursday June 22, WIN Sports and Entertainment Centre. For ticket information, click here.
On stage:
- Melbourne International Comedy Festival Roadshow, Thursday June 1 - Saturday June 3. Illawarra Performing Arts Centre. Phone 02 4226 3366
- Wollongong Eisteddfod, May 27 - July 22. For more information visit this website.
On the field:
- Wollongong Wolves vs. Parramatta FC, Sunday 4 June, WIN Sports and Entertainment Centre, tickets available at Ticketek.
- Wollongong Wolves vs. Blacktown City Demons, Sunday 18June, WIN Sports and Entertainment Centre, tickets available at Ticketek.
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