When thinking about tourism marketing, some of the obvious things that immediately spring to mind include advertisements, beautiful pictures on Instagram and even billboards.
However, something that is not quite so obvious, but is equally as important, is events.
Part of our role here at Mandurah and Peel Tourism Organisation (MAPTO) is to work with event holders and local shires to attract events to our region.
This helps build a strong, thriving, tourism industry in Mandurah and the Peel region.
Events give people a time-driven reason to visit. That is, they have to come when the event is on instead of just having us on their ‘maybe one day I’ll get there’ list.
Events scheduled in off-peak season can also help keep visitor numbers steady all-year round, helping sustain the many businesses that rely on the tourist trade.
Participation events, such as the Grapest 5k Run at Drakesbrook, the APES Games in Mandurah and the recently announced Adventurethon scheduled for May in Dwellingup, attract huge numbers of competitors, support crew and family and friends.
Unique regional events, including City of Mandurah’s Wearable Arts Mandurah and Crab Fest, generate a strong community sense of pride and engagement.
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From a tourism perspective, these events showcase the best of the region and are important in raising the profile of our destination through the media coverage they generate.
The benefits of attracting visitors through events does not end when everyone goes home.
Hopefully the visitors had a fantastic time, seen some beautiful and unique things and fallen a little in love with us. That means they’re likely to come back, and tell people they know about us too.
Getting back to our more traditional marketing methods, I’m pleased to say that our 2019 Mandurah and the Peel Region Visitor Guide is now available online and in hard copy.
A new addition to the guide this year is our collaboration with the local community through nine ‘How the Locals Like It’ articles peppered throughout the guide.
They are the thoughts, reflections, tips and hints from people such as dolphin researcher Krista Nicholson, Jodie Pantaleo from Pinjarra Bakery, Mayor Rhys Williams and artist Emma Blyth, told in their own words.
Although each contributor is vastly different, what shines through is their love of the region and everything it has to offer - something I’m sure we can all relate to.
Anita Kane is Mandurah and Peel Tourism Organisation acting chief executive.