Tourism WA and the State Government announced a $1 million tourism campaign earlier this week, aimed at increasing exposure of the region to Eastern States markets.
The marketing push began on July 28 and will run until the end of August, targeting Melbourne and Sydney audiences.
Co-marketing deals with travel operators Qantas Holidays and Jetstar are expected to offer discounted flight and accommodation packages, such as three nights’ accommodation in a five-star resort from $289 (per person, twin share).
Tourism Minister Paul Papalia said the campaign was part of a larger action plan to increase tourism arrivals and spending in the State.
“The State Government is committed to increasing visitation to the State and investing in marketing campaigns focusing on regional destinations, such as Margaret River, is a key part of our Two-Year Action Plan for tourism,” he said.
“It is no secret Australia is home to many fantastic wine regions, however, a holiday to the Margaret River region enables visitors to also experience beaches, tall-timber forests, majestic caves, incredible food and drink, and interactions with wildlife.”
Mr Papalia said the State’s tourism body was also working on a number of steps to entice people to holiday in WA. “The campaign is just one of many other marketing initiatives Tourism WA is working on to attract more interstate visitors to Perth and regional WA,” he said.
Margaret River Busselton Tourism Association joint-chief executive officer Sharna Kearney said the campaign would target a key market.
“The interstate market is an important one for the region, attracting around 130,000 visitors annually,” Ms Kearney said. “Notably, this market has a higher propensity to travel outside of peak periods, and is higher yielding, than the intrastate market.
“The campaign celebrates the diversity of our region, from wine and food to our stunning beaches and landscapes, and positions it strongly against Australia’s other wine regions. The campaign will work to increase desire, awareness and travel to our region and will be welcomed by our members and the broader business community.
“We are extremely pleased to see this level of investment in promoting our region.”
The campaign will run across TV, cinema, digital and social media channels.