GAPDL Tourism InitiativesAs one of Queensland’s 14 Regional Tourism Organisations, GAPDL works to ensure that emphasis is placed on increasing visitor numbers to the Region through a series of targeted marketing campaigns, promotional activities, public relations and e-marketing activities.
GAPDL's Tourism Unit works closely with local tourism operators, local government, local, state and federal agencies, key stakeholders and Tourism Queensland to raise the awareness of the Gladstone Region as a tourism destination and to encourage product development and tourism opportunities within the Region that covers the local government areas of Gladstone and Banana.
GLADSTONE REGIONAL GUIDE
The Gladstone Regional Guide and Holiday Planner is the main marketing collateral used by GAPDL to promote the Gladstone Region as a Tourism Destination. This is an annual publication with the 2010 due to be released late 2009.
TRAVEL SHOWS
GAPDL has significantly increased its presence at travel and holiday shows around Australia. This increase has been achieved by working cooperatively with partners including the DCTC Marketing Committee and a large number of proactive members. GAPDL usually attends the following shows:
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Queensland Rail Holiday Expo Brisbane
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Sunday Mail Escape Expo
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Brisbane Fishing and Outdoor Show
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Sydney Caravan and Camping Show
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Melbourne Caravan and Camping Show
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Brisbane Caravan and Camping Show
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Adelaide Caravan and Camping Show
The Gladstone Region is also well represented through the distribution of the Regional Guide, the Bass to Barra Guide and the 1770/Agnes Water town guide at the following shows:
WEBSITES
GAPDL has maintained its strong web presence with updates and improvements to both the corporate and tourism websites.
In 2007 GAPDL combined its corporate website with it's tourism site www.gladstoneregion.info. This site provides up-to-date information about the Gladstone Region as well as online booking facilities to allow tourists to research and book attractions live online before they arrive.
PUBLIC RELATIONS
An integral part of increasing domestic and international tourism to the Gladstone Region is through public relations. In 2006 GAPDL generated over $10 million worth of domestic tourism publicity alone. To generate this publicity GAPDL organised 'media famils' which allow journalists to come and experience the Gladstone Region. To participate click here.
The public relations generated by GAPDL has resulted in great gains for the region in terms of visitor numbers, overnight stays and visitor spending. The domestic and international tourism markets recognise the Gladstone Region as a ‘surprising’ holiday destination.
PROMOTIONAL PUBLICATIONS AND ADVERTISING
GAPDL has a strong inventory of professional informative publications. These include the Regional Guide, the National Parks Guide, the Gladstone Region Self Drive Guide and a series of in house publications including the Dinning Guide, Accommodation Guide, Bass to Barra Trail Guide, 1770/Agnes Water Town Brochure and the Free Industry Tour Brochure. These guides form an integral part in the GAPDL marketing strategy and will continue to be updated, improved and new guides added.
GAPDL also actively promotes through the following publications:
GAPDL has maintained a good presence with Billboards on the Bruce Highway.
INTERNATIONAL MARKETING
GAPDL has increased its presence and focus on international marketing and has been successful in raising the profile of the region at the international level. GAPDL has attended a number of Australian Tourism Exchange (ATE) and TQ workshops presenting the region directly to Inbound Tourism Operators. In addition, the Gladstone Region has hosted number of international media and trade famils. A number of workshops for internationally ready product and operators were also held throughout the region to assist members to work in this market.
PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT
GAPDL has been active in a large number of significant projects throughout the region. In addition GAPDL has worked closely with a significant number of operators with a wide range of new products coming on line.
CUSTOMER SERVICE WORKSHOPS - AUSSIEHOST
“A stand alone one day customer service communication and visitor skills workshop”
AussieHost is a comprehensive program designed to upgrade the standards of service and hospitality provided to a customer in any service environment throughout Australia.
How does it deliver?
1 Day Workshop (12 – 18 participants)
Content includes:
- What is customer service excellence
- Work place and professional presentation
- Excelling in communication skills
- Effective telephone communication
- Handling customer complaints and dissatisfaction
- Who are your customers and how best to serve them
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