Keeping it local
Times are still tough for business owners across the Sunshine Coast so how do you get locals to support locals and tourists to take advantage of what’s on offer in the region?
Coolum Business & Tourism believes it’s found the answer in the very successful ‘Coolum Little Book of Vouchers’ which has visitors and residents alike benefitting from great local deals to boost the beachside town’s economy.
The booklet is an innovative marketing initiative in a format similar to the very popular Entertainment Book including both valuable local information and over 30 vouchers with great offers for businesses such as accommodation houses, restaurants and cafés, activities and tourist attractions, services and retail.
Noel Mooney, President of Coolum Business & Tourism said the executive committee was delighted to launch the second edition of the booklet on the back of its success last year.
“The response to the booklet last year was fantastic and as an organisation, Coolum Business & Tourism is really committed to supporting local businesses and encouraging visitation to the region,” said Noel.
“We are very excited to be launching the second edition of the ‘Coolum Little Book of Vouchers’ which was made possible with the support of both Tourism Noosa and Sunshine Coast Destination Ltd. So many advertisers are on board again this year and we believe this booklet will continue as an annual initiative given the great support.”
Those using the booklet can save hundreds of dollars with offers such as 2-for-1, dollars off, percentage discounts and free add-ons. The booklet also includes other useful information including things to do in the region, a 12-month events calendar, a list of local activities, maps and emergency numbers which are expected to increase the longevity of the booklet over the 12-month period until it expires at the end of August 2014.
Local business owner and repeat advertiser, Diane Stevenson of The Caf in Birtwill Street, said she and husband Simon had decided to go into the booklet once more this year on the back of the great success of the initiative last year.
“We literally had hundreds of the vouchers come through the café over the 12-month period,” Ms Stevenson said.
“We definitely have new regulars who enjoyed the Caf experience for the first time thanks to the booklet, as well as a larger number of tourists who often don’t venture past the options on the Esplanade.”
Tourism Noosa General Manager, Damien Massingham, said the booklet demonstrated the willingness of local businesses to work together to raise their profile with the tourism market.
“The booklet provides a great resource to people visiting the region, not only by offering them great deals but also by providing them with the type of information that enhances their experience such as local events and attractions, maps and contact numbers,” said Damien.
“The drive market from Brisbane is a particularly strong segment for us and I would anticipate that these visitors would take advantage of using the booklet over the 12-month period with multiple visits to the region.”
The ‘Coolum Little Book of Vouchers’ booklets is available from Visitor Information Centres, from advertisers as well as being distributed to every home between Peregian and Twin Waters. A total of 20,000 booklets will be distributed over the 12-month period.
The booklet will be officially launched at an industry event on Wednesday evening.
Ends.
Media contact: Maya Gurry – Fresh PR & Marketing
P: 0410 109 102 E: maya@freshprm.com.au
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