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Welcome to the October Edition of

Grampians Tourism eNews

A Message from the CEO

 
The Grampians region continues to surge in popularity with excellent results in the recent National Visitor Survey for year ending June 2018, ranking the Grampians number one in the state for growth in domestic visitor nights in region.
This new data shows the Grampians region is above both state and national averages in all measures and is reflective of the significant efforts that have been put into showcasing the region's many highlights and diverse range of activities, which has encouraged visitor dispersal around the region and has increased the duration of their stay.
 
We were thrilled to launch the Grampians Way marketing campaign at Seppelt's this month. The campaign continues to highlight the natural attractions of the Grampians as well as its developing food and wine culture, making the Grampians a destination all year round. This aspirational ‘always-on’ marketing campaign will tap into the essence of the unique Grampians experience and be a constant reminder to travellers of the range of what’s on offer here, whether it be in the north, south, east or west. Make sure you check out the link to the Industry Toolkit below for valuable resources you can use, ensuring we are conveying a consistent message collectively.

The Grampians Tourism team had a great day in Ararat Rural City this month meeting with the Mayor Gwenda Allgood, new CEO Dr Tim Harrison and the Tourism & Economic Development team! Grampians Tourism will be based at Hamilton VIC next Friday 26th October and we invite our Southern Grampians partners who may like to take the opportunity, to come and have a catch up.

We certainly have something for everyone in the Grampians; this month the Halls Gap Jazz and Blues Festival will be celebrating what's on offer here from an arts and culture perspective. The Grampians is famous for big nature, amazing wildlife, spectacular lakes and waterfalls, but did you know our region is also a "Hot Spot" fishing destination and spring is a perfect time to throw a line in and land a big one! Check out our latest blog post all about it HERE

A huge congratulations to Grampians Helicopters for taking out this year’s Best Tourism Attraction accolade at the Wimmera Business Awards. Well done Justine & Justin!

Finally, I'd like to take this opportunity to farewell our marketing manager Erin White, who is moving to a new role closer to home and family. Erin's hard work and dedication has been a strong asset to our team, and we'd like to thank her for her wonderful contribution to helping promote our region.


Marc Sleeman
Chief Executive Officer
Grampians Tourism

TRA's National Visitor Survey Results:
Strong Growth for the Grampians region
The Grampians has ranked number one in Victoria for growth in domestic visitor nights in region. According to Tourism Research Australia’s National Visitor Survey for the year ending June 2018, visitors spent nearly 2.6 million nights in the region - a 25.8% increase on the year before.

The Grampians region received 980,000 domestic overnight visitors from July 2017 to June 2018 - up by 12.9% on the previous period - and recorded the state’s second highest increase for domestic overnight visitors and domestic overnight expenditure, which came in at $326 million and reflected an impressive 25.6% growth on the previous year.

Learn More HERE

New Location for the
Stawell Visitor Information Centre
at The Pickers Market
Grampians Tourism has relocated the Stawell Visitor Information Centre from Cafe 1868 to The Pickers Market Stawell on the Western Highway.

This is a great move for Stawell and the region with more space for regional displays and information and now open 7 days a week will provide more contact hours to enhance the visitor experience. Thanks Joanne White for your support with the initial move to Cafe 1868 and your ongoing support of Tourism in the region. Very excited to be working with Peter and Anthea Perry to continue to support the visitor economy in our region.
 
Read More HERE

The Grampians Way Marketing Campaign
 
We had a great night presenting our new 'The Grampians Way' marketing campaign to our industry partners at Seppelt's earlier this month and would like to thank Oregional Collective for their creative input as well as those partners who were able to join us that evening.
 
The campaign includes digital and social campaigns, media partnerships including The Urban List and Smooth FM radio, competitions, e-newsletters and collateral.
 
Industry are also able to access a “The Grampians Way Industry Toolkit” that will help you to leverage the campaign and includes shareable content that
we have produced. 

We urge you to take advantage of this valuable resource
which you can find HERE!

VTIC 2018 State Election Regional Roadshow Dinner


The VTIC 2018 State Election Regional Roadshow dinner at Seppelt's Great Western was a fantastic night and provided an excellent opportunity for regional business and local government stakeholders to discuss key issues for our region as well as highlight the critical role that Tourism plays in delivering a jobs solution for our area and driving economic growth! Tourism is Grampian’s Business!
Grampians Tourism Bids Farewell to
Marketing Manager Erin White
 
Having been an incredible asset to the Grampians Tourism team, our Marketing Manager Erin is now moving on to a new challenge closer to home and family.

We'd like to take this opportunity to thank Erin for her hard work delivering our new The Grampians Way marketing campaign and for her huge contribution to the success of our regional tourism board and wish her all the best in the future.

We'll miss you Erin!

Please join us for drinks to farewell Erin at
Halls Gap Hotel on the 24th October from 5pm – cash bar and and nibbles will be supplied.

GRAMPIANS IN THE MEDIA
The Urban List Features St. Arnaud
Highly-regarded and uber trendy urban directory The Urban List spent the weekend in St. Arnaud and uncovered some of its hidden gems...

Read the article HERE

6 Reasons to Visit Pomonal
Last month's 6 Reasons to Visit Wartook by journalist Richard Cornish was followed up by 6 Reasons to Visit Pomonal, featured in The Age and The Sydney Morning Herald.

More fantastic exposure for our diverse region!

Read the article HERE

TOURISM INDUSTRY UPDATES

Tourism is the Grampians' business!

We are an industry making a significant economic impact by supporting businesses and creating jobs so NOW is the time to capitalise on the success of tourism in Victoria, harness our amazing natural amenities and attractions, and accelerate the next wave of economic growth - The Grampians Way!

Working together, Government and industry can position the visitor economy to become Victoria’s most important and profitable sector - these are exciting times!

Check out the Victoria Tourism Industry Council video above...
VIEW ALL EVENTS


OCTOBER 2018 UPDATE


The Grampians Peaks Trail will be a hike of 160km that can be experienced in sections or as one journey over 13 days and there will be options for all hiking abilities including full-facilitated walks and guided tours.

The project has completed a significant milestone with the completion of 60km of track upgrades using traditional stone masonry methods alongside modern construction techniques to build in extremely rocky areas. Additionally, plans for new visitation experiences in the north and south are in development.


The north experience will be a three day hike from Dead Bullock Creek to Halls Gap rich in Aboriginal culture. The south experience, a three day hike from Cassidy Gap to Dunkeld, will focus on the culinary offering of the region opening up commercial opportunities.

Click HERE for the latest updates from Parks Victoria.

Check www.grampianspeakstrail.com.au for trail details and www.parks.vic.gov.au for Grampians National Park access update.
 
 
 

 
GRAMPIANS TOURISM INDUSTRY GROUP
 

HAVE YOU JOINED?

 
Keep up to date with all things tourism by joining the
Grampians Tourism Industry Group on Facebook.
Post, share and connect with other tourism operators and
members of local government via this page now!
 

Click here to join now!

Halls Gap Hub
 Space Available for Hire 

Grampians Tourism welcomes applications from commercial, community and non profit groups for casual use of the Halls Gap Hub.
For more details, see HERE

Are you appearing on
visitgrampians.com.au?

Tourism Australia’s website, australia.com draws business listings from the Australian Tourism Data Warehouse, as does Visit Grampians and Visit Victoria. Make sure you are on board HERE
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#grampians #thegrampiansway #grampianspeakstrail
Contact us:

Marc Sleeman, CEO
e:ceo@grampianstourism.com.au 
p: 0437 530 148
Erin White, Marketing Manager 
e:marketing@grampianstourism.com.au  
p: 0438 003 162
Amanda Cochran, Digital & Marketing Assistant 
e:digital@grampianstourism.com.au
p: 0438 003 163
Caron Fraser, Account and General Enquiries 
e:admin@grampianstourism.com.au
p: 03 5356 4865
f: 03 5356 4238

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