Positive Growth for TLPC and its Tourism Partners

The first quarter for 2015 is buoyed by reported strong results along TLPC over the Christmas New Year period (snapshots still to be released). This can be attributed to strong marketing campaigns and increased focus on The Legendary Pacific Coast by domestic and international travel marketers, potential visitors and media support. At the same time Tourism Research Australia has announced significant increases in Visitor Expenditure nationally with accommodation up 1.5% to $7 billion, café/restaurants up 5.7% to $4.4 billion and retail trade up 3.5% to $5.3 billion. We look forward to taking the journey with you in a positive and progressive new year.

TLPC RECEIVES REGIONAL VISITOR ECONOMY FUNDING (RVEF) FOR MAJOR MARKETING CAMPAIGNS

Minister for Regional Tourism John Barilaro with NCDN Chair Kathy Balodis and MP Leslie Williams announced three successful RVEF applications for TLPC. Proudly supported by Destination NSW and TLPC’s LGAs/LTAs, the marketing campaigns will be implemented over the next six months to increase expenditure and overnight visitation across the region.
1. TLPC International Program total value $455,000
2. TLPC (North Coast) Key Destinations’ Domestic Campaign $826,000
3. TLPC (North Coast) Take a Breath of Fresh Air Wotif Campaign $105,000.

For any information about RVEF contact Belinda Novicky belinda.novicky@ncdn.com.au

UPCOMING PROMOTIONS/ COOPERATIVE OPPORTUNITIES

You can be part of this great line-up of promotional opportunities, for FREE by posting a Legendary Deal on the TLPC website now. Click http://pacificcoast.com.au/legendary-deals-submission/ to upload your product information.
• Sydney Weekender TLPC “Then and Now” television stories and Social Media Competition commencing March 7 and ending in May
• Legendary Deals Social Media Campaign to promote the Legendary Deals on the same platforms
• Qantas Spirit Magazine TLPC feature (Mid North Coast out March 1 for three months and followed with a feature on the Northern Rivers later this year)
• Out and About with Kids Autumn edition (Central Coast – Port Stephens) Winter edition (MNC)
• Caravan and Camping Shows (Sydney, April) (Brisbane, June)
• NSW Seniors Expo (Feb 28) partnering with accessible tourism provider CanGoEverywhere.com.au

For more information about any of these promos contact Belinda Novicky at enquiries@pacificcoast.com.au

MEDIA/PR/FAMILS

The media are loving and discovering TLPC. Media familiarisations conducted throughout the last quarter of 2014 have delivered some strong results over the past three months including:
• Get Up and Go 3 page feature highlighting Lismore Lantern Festival on TLPC.
• Daily Telegraph online four page feature promoting TLPC as “this scenic drive is Australia at its most beautiful”.
• RACQ Road Ahead for the SE Qld market famil TLPC feature out April with accompanying digital coverage across TLPC and RACQ digital platforms.
• Qantas Travel Insider TLPC’s Coffs Harbour Guide for Hipsters.
• Honolulu Star Advertiser TLPC “Unwind Australia’s Coastline”.
• Australian Traveller EDM promoting TLPC as a great Aussie roadtrip.

• Australian Traveller a five page feature on the Northern Rivers destinations titled “The Byron Effect”.
Travelled and awaiting articles:
• Fairfax Traveller SMH & Age, Tracey Spicer travelling in an Apollo Motorhome Sydney-Brisbane-Sydney.
• Out & About with Kids Central Coast, Lake Macquarie, Newcastle, Hunter Valley, Autumn issue.
• Jucy Campervan Its Worth A Shot social media trip Sydney – Brisbane.
• Scheduled features in the Sydney Morning Herald and Sunday Telegraph gathered by journalists participating in the #mylegendarydrive social media campaign.

For more information about media/famils contact Sonia Fingleton at goodcompanygroup@bigpond.com

RENEWING AND GROWING TLPC PARTNERS, PRODUCTS AND SERVICES

It’s time to renew your TLPC partnership and for TLPC to further enhance partnerships with new products that build a fuller picture of the many experiences across the drive. Over the next two months TLPC team will be on the road to meet with our partners, one on one, stage a number of presentations and distribute surveys to determine how we can continue to better market the drive and your product in 2015 -2016. We have also developed a simple online partnership renewal process. More information on this and our partnership roadshow will be distributed shortly.

Australia's Best Drives Target the USA

TLPC teamed up with Sydney Melbourne Touring and Great Southern Touring Route (Great Ocean Road) with Aust/NZ specialist travel wholesaler “About Australia” to market direct to affluent North American self drive RV enthusiasts in February. Throughout the 12 day tour almost 600 potential visitors attended the Australian touring routes presentation. These high end spenders average around $10,000 per person on holiday road trips! A database of interested participants was created and TLPC with About Australia will follow up to further market and sell TLPC roadtrips to these lucrative travellers. For more information about the USA initiative or TLPC International Program contact Russell Mills on rfm@ncdn.com.au

Exclusive discount to partners to join bound round

Bound Round is the world’s first travel platform designed for kids by kids and it's taking Australia by storm. This means that travelling families can find you, even if they don’t know your business name. Head to www.boundround.com to check it out! Exclusive to TLPC, Boundround is offering a 20% discount and an extra 12 months listing if you sign up before the 31st March 2015 and mention you are a partner of TLPC. Contact Kenn Holmes kenn@boundround.com to discuss how he can best feature your tourism business.

WHAT’S NEW WITH OUR PARTNERS

The Corner Restaurant in Port Macquarie this week emerges from a major refurbishment setting new trends and offering a brand new look and menu. Can’t wait to see what innovations this National Tourism Award winning eatery will add to the TLPC experience.

North Coast Holiday Parks has a brand new website www.northcoastholidayparks.com.au showcasing local communities, accommodation options, a local business directory and a What’s On event calendar. It also has a “caravan club” to assist travellers plan their next TLPC trip.

The Macadamia Castle in Ballina Shire is a leader in innovation and energy conservation with the installation of Australia’s first Solar Powered Electric Vehicle (EV) charging station powered in the car park at this highly visible and popular tourist attraction.

BIG 4 Sunshine’s Holiday Park in South West Rocks has created a wonderful fantasy, water playground called Shipwreck Island Water Park at a cost of over $750,000. It was an instant hit with Christmas holiday crowds.

FootGolf is a new game/attraction recently opened in Ballina. It is a unique combination of football (soccer) and golf and the object is to kick a soccer ball around a golf course into 52 cm holes. We also welcome A1Coffs Coast Tours as a new partner.

NPWS is celebrating the natural beauty of autumn during Parks Week 2015 from 9 – 15 March. To discover what events are on in a NSW National Park along TLPC visit www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/parksweek

Plunge Art & Cultural Festival held in the Clarence is a month long festival from 26 March – 26 April celebrating local Art & Culture. See what's on.

A Shared Pathways Guide for Lake Macquarie has been released promoting the region’s top cycleways in the city. This is a great way to explore Lake Macquarie.

If you have a new or refurbished product/service that you would like us to include in the March newsletter, send to belinda.novicky@ncdn.com.au