The NSW North Coast experienced a boost in tourism thanks to a $300,000 NSW Government marketing campaign put in place to help support the area following devastating floods, which ripped through the region last year.
The campaign was a collaboration between the NSW Government, and the Office of Emergency Management in partnership with HotelsCombined, National Geographic, Stayz and Webjet.
Member for Lismore Thomas George MP said the initiative drove 56,800 visits to visitnsw.com, resulting in a 44 per cent year-on-year increase in traffic to the Byron Bay, Lismore and Tweed webpages.
“Not only did this campaign succeed in driving people to the visitnsw website, HotelsCombined saw a 49 per cent year-on-year increase in accommodation bookings, a phenomenal result for the region’s local hotels, restaurants and tourist attractions,” Mr George said.
Parliamentary Secretary for the North Coast, Ben Franklin MLC said, “The 2017 March floods took an enormous toll on the local community and we’re so glad we could help the many local tourism businesses get back on their feet and drive overnight visitation back to the beautiful North Coast with the support of Destination NSW and our travel partners.”
Member for Tweed Geoff Provest MP said the campaign had a total media reach of three million people.
“Our $300,000 investment enabled us to secure media coverage to promote our great tourism products to a wide audience and inspire people to look to the NSW North Coast for their next holiday,” Mr Provest said.
“The North Coast is regional NSW’s top region for visitors, nights and expenditure and our three-month Flood Recovery campaign saw overnight visitors flock to the region to enjoy everything the North Coast is known for – from the beautiful beaches and fresh produce, to the great accommodation.”