Flood event summary
EMT is very much aware of the hardship that this natural event has caused to many in our region and in particular to the community of Rochester, an event that has been fuelled by considerable inaccurate reporting in the media far and wide.
However it has been the ‘’perception’’ with respect to media reporting that we have had to deal with rather than the ‘’reality’’ with respect to the affects of most tourism stakeholders.
With limited resources EMT has delivered the following marketing activity to try and reduce the effects and to re-ignite consumer interest in our region as fast as possible.
- Commenced a concerted radio campaign in Melbourne on stations 3AW, FOX FM and Magic FM (top 3 rating stations) on Saturday 22nd January. The theme is ‘’Echuca Moama Open For Business’’ with the call to action being the web site www.echucamoama.com
This in turn leads them to a position statement, the river camera and of course all of our accommodation, activities and attractions.
We have placed a copy of the commercial on the web site if you would like to listen to it. We have received good feedback on the campaign with business hopefully slowly picking up.
I would personally like to thank the Echuca Moama Accommodation Association (EMAA) for their tremendous support by donating $5,000.00 to the campaign and the Attractions Association for their contribution.
WOTIF Announces Annual Ranking
WOTIF.COM today released the rankings for the top 10 most popular destinations in Victoria based on bookings via their popular website.
Melbourne was again placed number 1 with Echuca Moama in the top 5. It is interesting to note that Mildura was up from 9th last year to 6th and Bendigo dropping from 8th to 10th.
This is the second consecutive year that Echuca Moama has achieved this ranking and we are thrilled by the result, particularly considering that all of the top 9 have considerably more resources than EMT and that we have had several natural challenges over the past 3 months.
Australian Bridal Show
We attended the show for the two days at the Melbourne Exhibition Buildings and distributed the Holiday Planner and the Echuca Wedding Guide. We managed to only return home with 4 brochures! The feedback that we have received from participating in these shows has been very good. Over the past year these type of shows have delivered us the best numbers, a fact further supported by record requests for additional wedding enquiries from the Echuca office. Thank you to the Echuca Moama Wedding Group for partnering up with us on these shows.
Upcoming Shows
Over the next couple of months Echuca Moama will be attending the following trade and consumer shows:
• Adelaide Camping & Caravan Show
• Melbourne Camping & Caravan Show
• Melbourne Food & Wine Festival
• Cellar Door To Farm Gate Show, Southbank, Melbourne
• Travel Xpo, Melbourne
Travel Xpo
On the 19th and 20th of March EMT will be participating in a consumer show called Travel Xpo in Melbourne.
The Travel Xpo allows your product to be on display to thousands of pre qualified prospects all thirsting to gather information, book and travel to their dream destination.
Offering a mix of entertainment, information and product display the Travel Xpo provides all the information needed for planning the perfect holiday.
So whether you want to launch new products or showcase a special offer, make sure the Travel Xpo is part of your marketing campaign for 2011.
EMT is subsidizing 50% off this campaign, the cost therefore for each you to be represented at the Xpo is $299 inclusive of GST.
We now seek expressions of interest from interested stakeholders in being a partner with EMT at this popular travel show.
This show is a great opportunity to get your product in front of the key buyers in from all over the world.
If you are interested in this opportunity please contact:
ingrid@echucamoama.com
Co-operative Advertising Opportunities
EMT will be participating in the Murray Campaign - Herald Sun ‘Escape’ and Age ‘Epicure’ co-operative marketing opportunities during the following months:
Publication Section Date
Herald Sun Escape Sunday 3rd April, 2011
The Age Epicure Epicure Tuesday 5th April, 2011
The Age Traveller Traveller Saturday 10th May, 2011
The full colour page will consist of generic editorial on the region, supplied by EMT and the second half will consist of 5 individual business advertisements.
If you choose to participate, your advertisement must comply with the Murray Campaign template/ requirements. Your advertisement will allow for text, 1 image of your accommodation house or attraction and your preferred call to action inclusive of price point/contact details.
EMT is subsidizing 50% off this campaign, the cost therefore for each advertisement box is $660 inclusive of GST.
Only 5 advertisements spaces are available on a first come first served basis. This is a great opportunity and only available to EMT members.
Please click here to view an example of the Herald Sun advertisement opportunity.
Please note this is an example only to provide you with an idea of the concept.
Should you have any queries please do not hesitate to contact:
ingrid@echucamoama.com
Web Site Evolution
The web site is constantly evolving, please visit www.echucamoama.com and see the new accommodation booking box.
Members Night
There will be a Members night at 6.30pm Thursday 3rd February. All Members are invited to attend to receive an update on all things EMT.
Flood assistance
Murray Shire has been added to those Local Government Areas declared Natural Disasters from the December and January floods. This means primary producers and small business owners in Murray Shire impacted by the floods are now eligible to apply for one-off grants of up to $15,000 to assist in clean-up and restoration through the Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements, jointly funded by the State and Commonwealth Governments.
For further information about these grants, please contact the NSW Rural Assistance Authority on 1800 678 593 or email rural.assist@raa.nsw.gov.au or visit http://www.raa.nsw.gov.au
For further information on additional assistance schemes currently available, please visit http://www.murray.nsw.gov.au/news/pages/21809.html
Backroads Trail Farmgate Sculpture Competition
Kids home from school or Uni wondering what to do with themselves? Got some farm scrap lying around?
Why not convert it into prizemoney!!!! There is $8000 up for grabs in the Backroads Trail Farmgate Sculpture Competition. Only landholders from the area between Barham, Deniliquin and Moama are eligible to enter this competition, so that means you have a great chance of winning some cash. You could pay for your Uni fees or fund your next family holiday, and get a new mailbox!!!!
Please click here to find out how. The deadline for entry forms to be submitted has been extended till the end of January, and sculptures don't need to be completed until 1st March 2011.
‘’Thought Of The Week’’
’’Be mindful that the shade your sitting under today is only there because someone planted a tree long before you arrived’’
