Total Subscribers: 700
January-February 2011
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Message from the Chairperson
The flood that hit Ipswich in January has been a test to the city, but it's inspiring to see so many residents and businesses rallying together during the clean up process. It was great to see the city's tourism operators playing their part in the flood clean up, especially The Workshops Rail Museum and the Ipswich Visitors and Tourism Association who put smiles on the faces of flood-affected residents with free shuttle buses and entry to the museum. The city's tourism operators are all back operating and will now work hard to attract visitors back to Ipswich. Not only will we continue our marketing campaign under the Destination Ipswich program, but we will take to cyberspace to connect with a new audience. Council has just started a Discover Ipswich page on Facebook which you can become a fan of and follow the city's tourism evolution. Once here, visitors will be encouraged back and rewarded for a return trip with vouchers and special deals as part of the Great to Have You Here campaign. These are all fantastic campaigns that will help grow Ipswich's tourism market. Remember... Tourism is everybody's business Cr David Pahlke |
In this issue...City Open for BusinessIPSWICH is back in business but the ripple effect of January's flood will continue within the tourism industry. Most tourism operators across the city escaped direct flood damage and all operators are up and running. However, tourism state-wide has taken a beating after flooding and Cyclone Yasi. Premier Anna Bligh recently announced the Queensland Tourism Industry will receive a $10 million injection with a support package funded by the State and Federal Governments. The Tourism Industry Support Package will fund interstate and international marketing campaigns to announce Queensland is still a great holiday destination and is open for business. "It's no secret the tourism industry, like many industries in Queensland, has taken a hit by the floods and is still haemorrhaging because of the negative publicity that spread world-wide," Ms Bligh said. “We said it before the floods and we say it now, Queensland is where Australia shines and never has it shined as brightly as it does now." The Ipswich tourism industry was given a boost with MAX Employment choosing Ipswich as the venue for its annual business managers conference. The conference, which caters to about 150 managers, is usually held in Sydney or at the Gold Coast, but managing director Michael Hobday said he decided to host the conference in Ipswich to inject some confidence and money back into the local economy. [ Back to Top ] Helping Families Rest and Relax
 Flood-affected residents had the chance to relax with Thomas and Friends at The Workshops Rail Museum. The Workshops waived admission fees while the IVTA sponsored free transfers to and from the evacuation centre at the Ipswich Showground so evacuees could enjoy a day of rest. The Workshops Rail Museum also hosted a Flood Appeal day on January 30 with more than $7,700 being raised on the day adding to the $400 raised through January at the museum's donation boxes. [ Back to Top ] |
Great to Have You HereA NEW tourism rewards campaign aimed at recognising visitors and encouraging return trips will be launched in late February. The Great To Have You Here campaign is aimed at rewarding visitors with special offer vouchers to use while they are visiting Ipswich or when they return. Statistics show that 30 per cent of people who visit a destination for an event, will return within 12-18 months, so Ipswich wants to make sure its visitors come back by enticing them with special deals, including two-for-one lunches, tour discounts, entry to attractions and accommodation stays, and many other great savings from the participating businesses. Vouchers will be distributed to visitors at the Visitor Information Centre, by participating accommodation providers and in 'welcome packs' given to delegates and participants at conferences and special events. For more details about the Great To Have You Here campaign, contact council's Tourism Development Manager on 3810 6058 [ Back to Top ] Ipswich on ShowManagers and volunteers from Queensland visitor information centres will unite in Ipswich for the Queensland Information Centres Association (QICA) Conference. Held from February 22-25, the conference will include workshops and presentations at the Metro Hotel Ipswich International with social events at The Workshops Rail Museum, Ipswich Club and Brookwater Golf Club. The conference is regarded as an excellent opportunity to showcase Ipswich to visitor information centre staff and volunteers from all over Queensland. [ Back to Top ] Focus on BusinessIPSWICH will focus on attracting business events to the region with a stand at the 2011 Asia-Pacific Incentives and Meetings Expo, a premier event for the meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibition industry. Ipswich City Council's tourism development manager will attend the event as part of the Brisbane Marketing stand. Ipswich's display will showcase the unique venues, tours, attractions and conference support services available that will be promoted under the Destination Ipswich banner. [ Back to Top ] City to Celebrate The annual Ipswich Festival is a hit with residents and visitors. THIS year's Ipswich Festival has been moved to May 18-29, allowing more time for residents and businesses to recover from January's flood. The festival is always a highlight on the city's event calendar, boasting plenty of free or low-cost events for the whole family, however this year it will double as a thank you celebration for the volunteers and rebuilding efforts. Ipswich Events Corporation recently announced the new dates, and said from now on the festival would always be held over the last two Sundays in May. This means you can lock the dates in for next year's event right now. [ Back to Top ] Discover Ipswich on Facebook Ipswich City Council now has a Facebook page where visitors can Discover Ipswich and the experiences on offer. FACEBOOK users can now discover Ipswich on the social networking site, learning more about the visitor experiences on offer. The Discover Ipswich Facebook page was created to spread the word on the 'digital grapevine' about what a great place Ipswich is to visit and showcase tourism experiences. The page will allow potential visitors from Queensland, interstate and overseas to interact directly with local tourism businesses and share their experiences and travel plans. To add Discover Ipswich to your Facebook profile, go to www.facebook.com/discoveripswich and become a fan by clicking on 'like'. You must be a Facebook user to access the page. [ Back to Top ] |
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Websites of interestIf you are aware of a funding program or funding website that we have not listed, please contact us at info@discoveripswich.com.au
Grants & subsidies funding opportunities:These websites assist business and community to access government funding programs and associated guidelines:-
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IPSWICH CITY COUNCIL |
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