A NEW ERA FOR REGIONAL TOURISM
The tourism industry in Victoria as we know it is undergoing some major changes. The Andrews Labor Government is conducting a once-in-a-generation shake up of regional Victoria’s tourism and major events approach and backing this in with a multi-million dollar dedicated marketing campaign.
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RENEW YOUR GORRT GETTING STARTED PACKAGE
It's time to renew your getting started package which is a great opportunity to update your details and refresh your listing with some new images. It is important you renew your package before the expiry date to ensure your profile remains active on the web platforms.
GORRT staff are on hand to assist with any queries and will be contacting partners due for renewal. If you are having problems with the renewal or are unsure of when your renewal is due please contact the GORRT office on 03 5561 7894.
If you are yet to purchase your package view the prospectus here or contact us to help you determine the best option for your business.
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SURF COAST SHIRE EVENTS GRANTS
The Surf Coast Shire Events Grants Program recognises the important role events play in shaping the Shire's identity, prosperity and vitality. The program is available to not-for-profit and for-profit event organisers that hold an event in the Surf Coast Shire, and enables events to apply under different streams depending on size and focus.
Categories
- Community events that take place year round can seek funding for up to $5,000.
- Major events that are held in the off-peak season (post Easter to 15 December) can apply for funding up to $10,000.
- Signature events that are held in the off-peak season (post Easter to 15 December) can apply for funding over $10,000 and are eligible for consideration of multiple year funding.
The Event Grants Program Guidelines provide essential information for potential applicants, including definition of event streams, eligibility and assessment criteria. They also outline the application process. These guidelines should be read in conjunction with the Events Policy(PDF, 22KB). Still have questions? Check out these Frequently Asked Questions(PDF, 128KB).
Potential Event applicants must discuss their event with an Officer of the Surf Coast Shire Economic Development and Tourism Department prior to commencing an application.
APPLICATIONS CLOSE: 12 October, 2015
Apply for the Event Grants Program - Major and Community Events - via Council's on-line grant system.
For more information on the Event Grants Program, please contact: Gretchen Gibson on 03 5261 0584 or Jodie Keating on 03 5261 0643 eventgrants@surfcoast.vic.gov.au
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GREAT OCEAN ROAD PUBLICATIONS FOR VISITORS
We all know technology has changed the way visitors plan their travel and many have a basic itinerary in mind before arriving in the region. The Great Ocean Road Travel Planner, local destination guides and touring maps provide visitors with in-depth information about the region and encourage visitors to extend their length of stay and increase spend on experiences and attractions, shopping and dining. The Travel Planner and other publications are available online so visitors can incorporate valuable regional information into planning their itinerary. It is important that we communicate our product strengths and diverse offering through these publications and this requires the support of the entire industry.
If you wish to be a part of the next publication please contact the GORRT team info@gort.com.au
View the current Great Ocean Road Travel Planner
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THE OTWAYS FREE DAY
In November 2013, Colac Otway Shire collaborated with the Otway Harvest Trail, the Otway Fly and the Cape Otway Lightstation to run an industry familiarisation called 'The Otways Free Day'.
The concept involved inviting local tourism operators, the regions tourism operators and Melbourne hotel managers and concierges down to the Otways for a day to sample our brilliant offerings that are available.
The event was a tremendous success and in 2015 'The Otways Free Day' will be held again……..and it’s going to be massive…….stay tuned for more information about how your business and staff can be involved.
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THE CHINESE LUXURY TRAVELLER 2015
Australia is the most popular international travel destination for Chinese luxury travellers according to the 2015 Hurun Report which analyses the travel and consumption patterns of China's high net worth individuals. The survey indicates that travel remains the most popular leisure pursuit amongst wealthy Chinese and respondents spent an average of 20 days travelling each year.
Read the report
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REGIONAL RESTAURANTS AWARDED CHEFS HAT AND MORE
The Stag Restaurant, Port Fairy, has been awarded one Chefs Hat in the The Age Good Food Guide 2016. The award was announced at a gala event held at the Plaza Ballroom in Melbourne.
The Guide is the most respected and authoritative guide to dining in Australia, with its Chef’s Hats carrying the same kudos Michelin Stars hold in other parts of the world. The guide employs a 0 – 20 rating scale with a minimum score of 15/20 required to earn just one hat.
The restaurant has been receiving rave reviews from diners since local couple Ryan and Kirstyn Sessions took over the reins in April this year. “We are so excited to have been recognised in this way so soon after opening” said an obviously delighted Kirstyn.
Chef Ryan is a quiet achiever with a big reputation. A local, inspired by his love of the region and the great produce that comes from it, he stamped his mark on the regional fine dining scene in 2010 when he was at the Merrijig Inn, winning Regional Restaurant of the Year and being awarded 2 chef’s hats. “This award makes the long hours in the kitchen all worthwhile” said a clearly satisfied Ryan. “We are a small team, but are all really passionate about what we do. We like to think that we have created a unique brand of modern Australian dining, using native ingredients sourced from all over the country and combining them with more traditional produce to create food with a strong sense of place”.
This award was not the only Great Ocean Road winner, Brae in Birregurra took out not only the Regional Restaurant of the Year award but also chef Dan Hunter was awarded Chef of the Year. Visitors from Melbourne, interstate and around the world visit the farmhouse restaurant set on the lush green hills of the Otways. The dining room is an elegant study in timber and linen, with large windows taking in gardens that produce many of the vegetables that end up on the plate. Dan Hunter's food – botanical, textural and generally sensational – has put the tiny township of Birregurra on the map. To top off these major awards Brae was also awarded three chef's hats.
Airey's Inlet's dining institution, Á La Grecque, run by the Talimanidis family for over thirty years were awarded one hat and Chris's Beacon Point located near Apollo Bay with a menu featuring local seafood and produce was also awarded one hat.
More information
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GET SOCIAL
Here are some of the recent images that have hit out social media feeds over the past few weeks. Want to get your business/images featured? Share your best images by emailing them to social@gort.com.au or post them via your own social channels using #visitgreatoceanroad
Industry Facebook page
Consumer Facebook page
Twitter
Instagram
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Exploring the beautiful Cape Otway Lightstation! Photo by @darrentierneyphotography on Instagram
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This kangaroo was exploring the Great Ocean Road one hop at a time. Shared on Facebook, photo by Marie Darby.
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Having a whale of a time! The Southern Right Whales are providing our visitors with plenty of 'wow' moments along the coast at the moment! Photo @mrperrycho on Instagram
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Keep up to date with Tourism Australia via their social media channels @Australia #SeeAustralia
@Australia shared Australia's most famous surfing beach with its 1.6 million followers! Photo by @nataliesjourney on Instagram
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2015 AUSTRALIAN WILDLIFE TOURISM CONFERENCE
The Australian Wildlife Tourism Conference will be held in Geelong from the 29th of September to the 3rd of October. Wildlife and nature are two of the biggest drawcards for tourism in Australia. Wildlife Tourism Australia is bringing together some of the leading experts in the field to address the conference, 'Wildlife Tourism: A force for biodiversity conservation and local economies?' In conjunction with the conference, a range of field trips will form part of the program. Early bird tickets have already sold out, so get in quick. For more information
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2015 AUSTRALIAN REGIONAL TOURISM NETWORK (ARTN) CONVENTION
The 2015 ARTN convention will take place from the 19th to the 22nd of October at the McCracken Country Club, Victor Harbour, South Australia. The Convention is open to all sectors of the tourism industry and provides a forum to discuss, exchange and explore opportunities, issues and challenges facing regional tourism. It is the most significant annual event for regional tourism operators and organisations.
Registrations are now open. Find out more
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DISCOVER DRINK ARTS FOOD TORQUAY (DAFT) THIS OCTOBER
Held on Saturday 10th and Sunday 11th of October, the jam packed weekend showcases local products, produce, beverages (wine, beer, cider, coffee), art and music from the region.
The Torquay Celebration: Enjoy a 3 course lunch created by local chefs accompanied by local wines, beers and ciders, plus entertainment and free tickets to the Beats Bus and Bell Street Fiesta. The Art Competition is part of the celebration, this is an opportunity to display local artist’s work from the Surf Coast Shire. Sat 10 / 1-4pm / $89pp / The Beach Hotel Jan Juc
Bells Beats Bus: A fun and exciting way to get around Torquay/Jan Juc. Visit different restaurants with live music and enjoy a local night out with some friends! Sat 10 Oct / 6 – 11pm / $20pp on and off access for 5 hours
Bell Street Fiesta: A fiesta to celebrate all things local! Includes free beer and wine tasting, kids entertainment jumping castles, face painting & crafts, 3 stages including The Kite Machine, Old Feather & Mad House, live entertainment, Skate Park, Stalls, producers, art, designers, food and much more! Sun 11 / 12-7pm / $5 entry / Free for children
Local Treats: A selection of venues in Torquay will be showcasing local produce on their menus. So look out for the DAFT Local Treats sign around town. Sat 10 & Sun 11 / Venues in Torquay & Jan Juc
All tickets are available here
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For more industry information.
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