Tourism News

HMAS Adelaide project on track

The HMAS Adelaide ship diving wreck and artificial reef project is on track. The ship has been demilitarized in Sydney and tenders have been called to do the final preparation to make it a safe ship diving wreck. The State Government has conducted further research to ensure that the final resting site chosen is safe for the vessel, the divers and the environment, and arrangements are being developed for the necessary land based infrastructure. At this stage, the actual sinking of the vessel is expected to be in the last quarter of 2009. Further information can be obtained on the official website, www.hmasadelaide.net.au.

Visitor numbers at the Gateway Centre going through the roof

When the NSW State Government and Tourism NSW decided some nine years ago to establish six Gateway Visitor Information Centers, Gosford was one of the locations chosen. Central Coast Tourism (CCT) decided to look for a location which was close to the freeway, and located strategically so the rest of the region’s tourist facilities could be reached as easily as possible - their choice was Mt. Penang Parklands, which met all of these criteria.

Now, after only seven months of operation, Central Coast Tourism’s Gateway Centre is breaking all records as far as visitor numbers are concerned. The number of visitors going through the Centre has increased between 65% and 133% over that period of time.

The Centre attracts many more interstate and international visitors seeking accommodation and directional advice. “From this location everyone is a winner as it is much easier and more convenient for the customer to get from here to Dooralong/Yarramalong Valley, Wyong or Ettalong Beach, Woy Woy or Norah Head Lighthouse or The Entrance, as well as Terrigal and Avoca,” Jacquie Greaves, Sales and Information Manager of CCT said.

CCT is also participating in the Pacific Coast Touring Route promotion, which will target all tourists travelling by car between Sydney and Brisbane and vice versa. This will further increase visitation through the Gateway Centre and therefore the opportunity to promote the region’s tourism products.

The Gateway Centre was jointly funded by the NSW State Government, the Federal Government, Gosford City Council and CCT’s own funds. In addition, CCT has to pay off a loan of a further $180,000 because Wyong Council refused to be part of this regional project, despite Wyong Shire tourism operators gaining advantages and business from the centre.

Ettalong Beach Whale Watching Cruises a hit

For nearly ten years, Central Coast Tourism tried to convince local operators to do what Sydney, Port Stephens and Byron Bay have been doing for a long time – conduct whale watching cruises. It took a Sydney based operator, Fantasea Cruises, which also operates the Ettalong Palm Beach Ferry, to finally make the move. They did this in co-operation with Central Coast Tourism’s marketing activities.

In June and July 2008, the Central Coast was able to offer whale watching cruises out of Ettalong Beach for the first time in history. It has been a huge success.

“The promotional and public relations efforts of Central Coast Tourism were outstanding,” Matthew Lloyd from Fantasea Cruises said. “Within hours, they created a news item on their internet website which was picked up immediately by the Sydney media, they made all cruises instantly bookable via their online reservation system, produced flyers and posters and distributed them, and also took large numbers of bookings,” he added. “Most of the cruises were fully booked and customers saw plenty of whales passing by,” Mr Lloyd said. “We are now planning more tours for when the whales return with their calves in September/October 2008”.

Mirvac appoints Sales and Marketing Manager

Mirvac Hotels & Resorts has announced the appointment of Bronwyn Wood as Sales and Marketing Manager, Quay West Resort, Magenta Shores.

Mrs Woods was formerly Group Sales Manager – Conference & Incentives Hotels and Resorts for the Mirvac Group.
She has worked in the conference and tourism industry for some fifteen years. Mrs Woods succeeds Ross Buchanan who has been appointed Sales and Marketing Manager for the Sydney Marriott Hotel, also operated by Mirvac.

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