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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... |
Greetings from Tourism Wollongong,
What an active and colourful July! With pilgrims from around the world to adventure motorcyclists, Wollongong was certainly in the spotlight last month as we embraced the WYD08 Days in the Dioceses celebrations and Grand Pacific Drive on show, chosen by celebrity adventurer Charley Boorman to feature in his final leg of his 'By Any Means' world endeavor.
The final stages of the Grand Pacific Drive signage plan are nearing completion and on 19 August we will welcome the Federal Minister for Tourism – the Hon Martin Ferguson to officially launch the drive.
It will be great to catch up with members at our next ‘Talking Tourism’ networking function on 6 August 2008 and don’t forget memberships are now due, the team will be out in the coming weeks seeking expressions of interest for a range of marketing activities in the coming year.
Until next month
Greg Binskin
General Manager
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Talking Tourism is on again, a great forum to hear about the latest research, activity and updates from the tourism industry and enjoy networking with your industry colleagues. This quarter we will also welcome a special guest speaker Internetrix General Manager, Daniel Rowen who will be presenting the latest online innovations with Google, including Google Analytics and how you can use this information to benefit your business.
Join us on Wednesday 6 August from 5.30pm at the new Innovation Campus, register your attendance NOW - click here.
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South Coast Tourism one year on! |
One year has past since the coming together of Illawarra Tourism and South Coast RTO’s and hasn’t the time flown by?
Visitation to the region is on the rise with the larger regional presence working hard to make the South Coast a must visit destination. As resources are magnified we can better market the whole of the South Coast, "we've seen an increase of 22% in visitors for the first quarter." Rob Pollock of South Coast Tourism said.
2008 will also welcome the first South Coast Regional Tourism Awards which are being held on 27 August 2008 in Shoalhaven. Good luck to everyone who entered.
We look forward to many years of success with South Coast Tourism and developing new and budding business ventures in the next 12 months.
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World Youth Day a success |
Tourism figures have excelled as a result of the World Youth Day (WYD) celebrations with 85% of pilgrims staying on in Australia longer than the week-long event. 4,000 WYD pilgrims participated in an online survey and the results indicate that 78% of pilgrims had not visited Australia before the event and had already spent time in regional parts of NSW.
Throughout the Illawarra, with approximately 4000 bed nights generated, pilgrims stayed in all types of accommodation from bed and breakfasts to YHA's. 2,000 pilgrims were based in the Illawarra, Shoalhaven and Southern Highlands and an estimated 7,000 visitors attended the local "Days in the Dioceses" WYD festivities.
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Thanks to Charley Boorman, Wollongong and Grand Pacific Drive will be showcased to an audience of about 100 million people from around the world!
The celebrity adventure motorcyclist chose Flagstaff Hill to launch the final leg of his epic journey from Ireland to Sydney via the Sea Cliff Bridge. Boorman had a convoy of 400 motorcycle enthusiasts join him along Grand Pacific Drive.
The documentary of his journey 'By Any Means' is expected to be broadcasted in early 2009 on BBC television and the National Geographic Channel. '
What a fantastic opportunity for Wollongong - I'm sure the viewers will be as impressed by the drive as what Boorman was!
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Local Business Awards Gala Evening |
A night of flowing dresses, great food and entertainment; the 2008 Illawarra and South Coast Region Local Business Awards was held on Wednesday 16 July at the Shellharbour Workers Club.
We commend our members in becoming finalists for the award, demonstrating their hard work and input in to the local community and achievements as a small business.
Congratulations go to Lagoon Seafood Restaurant for winning 'Best Restaurant' and 'Business of the Year' for 2008. Andrew Harrison, Restaurant Manager won 'Business Person of the Year'; a great achievement for Andrew and his team.
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What: Mt Kembla Mining Heritage Festival 2008
When: Saturday 2 August – Sunday 3 August 2008
Where: Mt Kembla Village Cordeaux Road, Mt Kembla
Info: 02 4271 3737 or www.mtkembla.org.au
What: Sydney FC Season Game vs Wellington Phoenix
When: Saturday 2 August 2008
Where: WIN Entertainment Centre Cnr Crown and Harbour Street's, Wollongong
Info: 02 4220 2828 orwww.wec.org.au
What: Puccini's Madame Butterfly
When: Thursday 21 August - Saturday 23 August 2008
Where: Illawarra Performing Arts Centre 32 Burelli Street, Wollongong
Info: 02 4226 3366 or www.merringong.com.au
What: RSPCA Race Day
When: Saturday 23 August 2008
Where: Kembla Grange Racecourse Princes Highway, Kembla Grange
Info: 02 4261 7211 or www.kemblagrangeracing.com.au
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