Rockhampton tourism sets its sights sky high
Published on 04 July 2018
Rockhampton’s growing reputation as a tourism destination is being highlighted in a brand new market with the Region featuring in Fiji Airways’ July Edition.
The 1000-word feature highlights the Region’s strengths - both old and new, with the focus on fishing, fine dining, heritage and the fast-growing Rockhampton River Festival.
Mayor Margaret Strelow said it was another sign Rockhampton was becoming an increasingly attractive holiday destination for visitors.
“Following on from the success we saw with our Region being showcased in the QANTAS magazine, it’s fantastic to see another airline profiling the area just a few months later,” Mayor Strelow said.
“There’s no doubt that word is starting to get out about Rockhampton and all we have to offer.
“Events like the recent World Fishing Day livestream are cementing our place as the Home of Barramundi, while major events like River Festival – which is also profiled in this feature – are setting a new standard each year.
“The value of articles like this should not be underestimated. They reach new audiences and plant the seeds for people who will be flying home and already planning their next holiday.
“It’s only been in the last couple of years Rockhampton has started to really sell its potential to tourists and increase the visibility of all that our wonderful Region has to offer and we are starting to see the benefits.
“From mountain biking down Mount Archer to four-wheel driving in Mount Morgan, visiting Queensland’s only baby chimpanzee or catching the fish of a lifetime, Rockhampton caters for all visitors.
“That’s why Council has taken a deliberate approach to our tourism by balancing campaigns aimed at the 4-hour drive market and grey nomads with wider promotions to national and international audiences, like we saw with the new chimpanzee at the zoo,” Mayor Strelow said.
“I want to commend the Advance Rockhampton marketing and tourism team for their very proactive marketing. They have brought a freshness and energy to the promotion of Rockhampton and our Region.
“Every piece of research that’s been done about Economic growth within Australia has highlighted tourism as prime target. And for us there were a lot of easy gains to make. When we really turned the spotlight on our own assets we have found a very positive response from visitors.
“We are promoting our beautiful Quay Street, our fishing opportunities, and the Golden Mount to name just a few.
“‘My Rockhampton’ is selling our message to our regional hinterland, and our new website and soon to be released updated app are critical to our story.
“The proposed budget currently before Council has a included an extra $400,000 for new tourism marketing with a particular focus on the drive market and some preliminary investigation about options for marketing directly to Australia bound international visitors,” Mayor Strelow said.