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Date of issue - 30 March 2016
DESTINATION SOUTHERN HIGHLANDS INDUSTRY E-NEWS MARCH 2016
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CONTENTS:
Easter Visitation
Last Chance - MSH Selfie Promotion
LGSA NSW Tourism Conference
Google Search - Claim Your Business
Bong Bong Motel Closes
RVEF Funding Application
After Hours - Some BIG Changes
April VIP Red Carpet Day
Peppers Manor House Re-Launch
Moss Vale Food & Wine Cluster Launch
Bundanoon Highland Gathering
DSH - Out & About - Koori Kulcha

 
EASTER IN THE SOUTHERN HIGHLANDS
RECORD VISITATION

This Easter the Southern Highlands experienced almost perfect weather conditions and visitation statistics backed up what we already know, and that is, that the Southern Highlands is THE Short Break Destination with 1,118 visitors recorded at the Welcome Centre, up by 69% over the previous year.  Whilst here, visitors (and locals) were treated to some great events like the popular Burrawang Easter Markets (see image below courtesy of SHN) and Music In the Vines at the Joadja Vineyard. 
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LAST CHANCE TO ENTER
COMPETITION CLOSES
MIDNIGHT 31 MARCH
Locals are encouraged to 'Share The Love' with their region and WIN $1000 in the My Southern Highlands Selfie Promotion.  To enter just pickup a My Heart Lives Here Sticker at the Southern Highlands Welcome Centre (or local libraries, pools, the Council and other high traffic areas throughout the region).  Then take a selfie at an iconic location in the Southern Highlands and enter for your chance to win $1000. The more creative your entry, the better your chance to win. Make sure your include the My Heart Lives Here sticker to be eligible.  

Entrants should also share their entries with their Facebook friends and hashtag #myheartliveshere #mysouthernhighlands and #visitsouthernhighlands to really keep the momentum going and to showcase all the great.  

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LGSA NSW TOURISM CONFERENCE
The annual NSW Local Government Tourism Conference was held in Byron Bay from 9 to 11 March. This event gave Councillors and Council Staff the opportunity to meet, listen to experts and peers and find out how other Councils are engaging and managing their tourism industry.

This years conference theme was 'Embracing A Changing Tourism Landscape' and Steve Rosa our Destination Southern Highlands Tourism & Events Manager was a key presenter on the topic of Visitors Centres In The Digital World.

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GOOGLE SEARCH - CLAIM YOUR BUSINESS  ITS FREE
'Just Google It' - How many times a day do you say or hear this phrase?  If you're truthful its probably every day and more than once a day. So what about your business - yes you have a website, yes you are on social media, but have you actually claimed your business on Google?  If not, then you should do it today.  Just click here. Including your opening hours, correct street address, phone number and photos will provide a quick snapshot of your business to potential customers.
REGIONAL VISITOR ECONOMY FUND
DSH has applied to the Destination NSW Regional Visitor Economy Fund (RVEF) for funds to assist with a major promotional campaign for the Southern Highlands for later this year.  The application has been made to the RVEF Contestable Fund Round Three.  If successful DSH will receive dollar for dollar funding which will enable us to instigate a major promotional short breaks campaign, which will be scheduled for Winter 2016.
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KOORI KULCHA - NOT JUST A CAFE
DSH Staff recently attended a familiarisation of the Koori Kulcha Experience. More than just a cafe, Koori Kulcha provides corporate team building, ultimate dining experiences, indigenous catering and education and cross cultural workshops. Located at the Kazcare complex on Kirkham Road in Bowral and open every day from 9am until 2pm. MORE INFO       BACK TO THE TOP
Bong Bong Motel Closes
It really is the end of an Era, with the closure last week of the popular Bong Bong Motel in Moss Vale. The business has seen a number of owners during its lifetime, with the last being Russell Betts who retired in January this year.
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April VIP Red Carpet Day
Friday 8 April is VIP Red Carpet Day at the Southern Highlands Welcome Centre. Everyone is invited to come along with this month's theme being Heritage. There will be food & wine tastings courtesy of 5th Chapter Estate and Koori Kulcha between 11am and 1pm on the day.
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Peppers Manor House
Wednesday 16 March saw the official opening of the newly refurbished Peppers Manor House at Sutton Forest. The property has undergone a multi million dollar refurbishment which includes all 43 guest rooms, a new indoor/outdoor conference, weddings and event space for up to 300 guests.
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Moss Vale Cluster Launch
Launched on Wednesday 16 March at Peppers Manor House, the Moss Vale Cluster is the second of the Southern Highlands Food & Wine Clusters to be launched. MORE INFO
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Brigadoon
Saturday 9 April is the day to get your kilt on and head down to Bundanoon for your own Highland Fling. Celebrating its 39th year in 2016, the annual essentially Scottish event will go ahead, rail, hail or shine.
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TOURISM AFTER HOURS
The April Tourism After Hours event will be held on Thursday 14th at Artemis Wines. Invitations will be forwarded shortly and recipients will notice some changes in how to RSVP to these popular DSH Member events. ALL attendees will now need to follow a link contained in their invitation to confirm their attendance online.

2016 Tourism After Hours 
April - Thur 14  to be held at Artemis Wines
June - Thur 9 Venue TBA
August - Thur 11 Venue TBA
October - Thur 13 Venue TBA
December - Thur 8 Venue TBA

 
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Copyright © 2016 - Destination Southern Highlands
All rights reserved.


Our mailing address is:
Destination Southern Highlands
PO Box 305, Mittagong 2575

Contacts:
P: 02 4871 2888
E: tourism@wsc.nsw.gov.au 

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