Locals to Invite Friends and Family to the Whitsundays in “We Wish You Were Here” Initiative

Whitsundays

The region's peak tourism marketing body, Whitsundays Marketing and Development Ltd (WMDL) is encouraging locals to get involved in increasing visitor numbers this winter by inviting their friends and family to visit the region.

WMDL Executive Director Jeff Aquilina said that the Whitsunday's mild and sunny climate provides an excellent motivator for residents of the southern states to visit the region.

“We all know that when it comes to gorgeous winter weather, the Whitsundays region certainly has bragging rights. Right now, WMDL is asking our local residents to help spread the word about our enviable 25-degree winter days to friends and family members in the southern states who are no doubt experiencing some chilly conditions. The region is also more accessible than ever for Melbourne residents, with direct Qantas service to Hamilton Island and Jetstar's new direct service to Proserpine.”

Mr Aquilina said that the “We Wish You Were Here” initiative is a different approach to reaching the “Visiting Friends and Relatives,” or VFR, market segment, with local residents playing a key role.

“We are producing and distributing a postcard that our local residents can use to invite their friends and family to visit the Whitsundays and enjoy some of the warm and sunny days for which we are famous.”

Over the coming weeks, a total of 88,800 postcards will be distributed via letterbox drops throughout the greater Whitsundays region as well as inserted into local newspapers, including The Whitsunday Times, The Whitsunday Coast Guardian and The Bowen Independent. Local residents simply add a personal message, address the postcard and post it, or deliver them to one of three drop-off points in the region and WMDL will post it, and cover the postage.

WMDL is encouraging all local residents to get involved in the initiative and noted that the local economy as a whole reaps benefits from visiting friends and family. Mr Aquilina said that the economic impact of the VFR market should not be underestimated.

“If 20,000 visitors stay five nights and spend just $100 per day in the region, that translates into $10 million injected into our local economy. We hope that our local residents will send these postcards far and wide and we hope to see many friends and family member in the region, soaking up our famous Whitsundays sunshine.”

Drop-off points for postcards:

Whitsundays Marketing & Development Ltd office
2623 Shute Harbour Road, Jubilee Pocket
Whitsundays Region Information Centre
192 Bruce Highway, Proserpine
Bowen Information Centre
236 Bruce Highway, Bowen