Over a thousand new ‘twitter followers’ and hundreds of new ‘facebook’ fans are helping to promote Port Macquarie as a travel hotspot. This is the outcome of a successful new campaign by Greater Port Macquarie Tourism which takes advantage of social networking as a tool to attract new visitors.
The ‘52+ Things To Do Photo Competition’ campaign invited people to upload a photo of their favourite Port Macquarie activity and write about it on facebook. Sally Carroll from Raymond Terrace has been announced the winner with her picture of her daughter at Ricardoes Tomatoes Strawberry Farm, and takes home a $3,000 prize package including a new Nikon DSLR camera and holiday to Port Macquarie.
“We launched the campaign to encourage people to share their experiences and suggestions about Port Macquarie as a travel destination,” said Linda Hall, Tourism Manager at Greater Port Macquarie Tourism.
“By uploading their pictures and stories travellers have connected with other people online about the 52+ tours, attractions and activities in the region. This is the power of online word of mouth.
“For our first social media campaign it’s a great start - we have 603 new facebook fans, including 339 photos uploaded, and 1150 new twitter followers,” said Linda.
Greater Port Macquarie Tourism is working with a specialist social media agency in Sydney, Switched On Media, to devise and execute its campaigns.
The competition entries were judged by Australian Traveller magazine, and it was promoted by the following channels:
- Social media – facebook, twitter, flickr, blogs and Google Adwords
- Print media – Rural Press papers including Port News, Camden Haven Courier, Newcastle Herald, Armidale Express, Northern Daily Leader, Coffs Independent and Port Stephens Examiner
- Online media and public relations - including Australian Traveller, Holidays with Kids, TNSW E-scapes and various newsletters
The campaign also featured a facebook discussions winner, Allison Davies from Queensland, who voted for Sea Acres Rainforest Centre. Her winning entry described Sea Acres Rainforest Centre as amazing with fresh country air, tall trees and abundant wildlife.
’52+ Things To Do’ concept was developed by a group of local industry operators, the Tours and Attractions Group (TAG). This campaign by Greater Port Macquarie Tourism aims to take the concept from a local focus to a national audience.
Sally Carroll’s winning entry included her caption of “At the Strawberry Farm. Kids Loved it”: To view all the competition photos, go to the Greater Port Macquarie Facebook page – www.facebook.com.au/52plusthingstodo.
Contact: Terry Sara Communications Manager 6581 8214 or 0412 769 454