Sapphire Coast Tourism Future is a brand new tourism program designed to deliver an unprecedented level of support to the tourism industry in the Bega Valley, running until June 2023. It is the result of $600,000 in grant funding secured by Bega Valley Shire Council from the Bushfire Local Economic Recovery Fund.
This project will greatly increase the attractiveness of the Sapphire Coast as a tourist destination through a huge investment in marketing and promotion. It will deliver a support program for the development of high-end tourism experiences, and will encourage collaboration, mentoring, and networking among stakeholders. The program has three distinct streams:
GETTING SAPPHIRE COAST TOP OF MIND
Sapphire Coast Tourism Future includes the largest single investment in marketing for the region in more than a decade. Major destination marketing campaigns will quickly build awareness through 2022-23 and drive increased visitation and visitor spend from key markets in Victoria, Canberra, and New South Wales.
NEW, BETTER, STRONGER EXPERIENCES
Sapphire Coast Tourism Future will include a bespoke and intensive industry development program designed to increase the skills and professionalism of our industry, and consequently the region’s competitiveness as a destination.
Tourism operators will be offered assistance through a program of business development and innovation to meet the needs of visitors and effectively grow the products offered by their business.
Group skills, workshops and mentoring delivered by sector specialists will upskill participants on the areas of opportunity for tourism growth in the region, including:
- Developing new experiences
- Selling online
- Working with Online Travel Agents
- Digital marketing
- Tourism product distribution
- Developing a world class experience
- Tapping into the accessible market
- Content development
- Ecommerce
- AND SO MUCH MORE!
NEW VISITOR INFORMATION TO GET PEOPLE MOVING
A new suite of Visitor Information will encourage the dispersal of visitors to key experiences, driving increased length of stay and return visitation. A new Visitor Information display will be installed at Merimbula Airport to support the expansion of air services and a newly renovated terminal.
Register for Industry Development
Events & Masterclasses
GOOGLE MARKETING MASTERCLASS
This detailed and practical introduction to all the tools in the Google digital marketing suite, will help you understand how you can use effectively and efficiently utilise Google to improve your marketing efforts and reach more potential customers.
Designed to give you a greater understanding of what each of Google tools are, how they can be utlised to market and then how to analyse the performance of your efforts, including your website and online presence!
RIDE SAPPHIRE
COAST
An immersive, intensive masterclass designed to take businesses to the next level when it comes to welcoming MTB visitors. This will be a tailored masterclass to deliver;
- Site visits to trails in Eden to talk to a trail builder
- Understand the MTB audience and how to reach them
- Learn what a MTB ready destination looks like
- Delve into case studies on Derby, Ride Sunshine Coast and Ride Canberra
- Hear from guest speakers and MTB experts
If you're keen to take part and have the capacity to deliver a product or experience in this area, please get in touch with us at scdm@sapphirecoast.com.au as places are limited!
UNLEASHING THE POWER OF SOCIAL MEDIA MASTERCLASS
This 2-hour deep dive masterclass on Social Media will provide a comprehensive understanding of how to effectively utilise social media in your tourism business. This is a follow-up masterclass from the recent Intro to Social Media workshop to go deeper into the world of social media marketing strategy.
The masterclass will cover a range of topics including;
- How to analyse data.
- Enhancing your overall digital marketing strategy.
- Creating compelling content.
- Engaging your audience.
CULTURAL AWARENESS WORKSHOP
Join Yalbangarra for an incredible workshop led by Alison Simpson, on Cultural Considerations training, fundamentals when working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and being culturally aware in the tourism space on the Sapphire Coast.
This is the first step to learning more about Aboriginal people and culture and how to work appropriately with First Nations people and communities.
SAPPHIRE COAST TOURISM INDUSTRY BRIEFING
Hear from key industry stakeholders and guest speakers including;
Claire Ellis - Chair of Ecotourism Australia
Visit Canberra
Buena Vista Farm to talk success in Agritourism
Bohdi Lewis - Director of Brand Strategy & Customer Experience at Destination NSW
Kristy Malapa - Tourism Australia
Twofold Aboriginal Corporation
South East Contemporary Centre of Arts
RECRUITMENT AND STAFF RETENTION MASTERCLASS
Join colleagues at 4pm for a special presentation and workshop hosted by the South Coast Centre of Excellence on how to attract and retain your employees followed by a networking event with complimentary drinks and canapes from 5-7pm.
DIGITAL MARKETING AND MENTORING CLINICS
Take the next step with your business’ digital marketing, from social media, websites, advertising, email marketing, e-commerce and more at the Sapphire Coast Digital Marketing and Mentoring Clinics. Click Below for more info and to register for your personal, one-on-one 50 minute.
NAVIGATING THE AGRITOURISM JOURNEY MASTERCLASS
In this masterclass, business and agritourism expert, Giovanna Lever from
Sparrowly Group will facilitate a hands on session giving you the space to work “on" your business and give you the framework to make it a success.
SUSTAINABILITY AND ECOTOURISM MASTERCLASS
Join Dr Claire Ellis, chair of Ecotourism Australia, in this informative, interactive and inspiring masterclass on contemporary issues and opportunities in sustainability and what it means for the Sapphire Coast.
SERVICING THE ACCESSIBLE MARKET IN BUSINESS
3 specialist workshops focusing on customer service for the accessible market, putting people first and recognising that everyone is unique in their abilities.
CRUISE PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT MASTERCLASS
Join cruise experts, local cruise advocates, ground handlers and cruise officials to have all your questions answered about developing and delivering a product for the cruise market.
SUPERCHARGE YOUR ACCOMMODATION BUSINESS
This specially designed, high-level masterclass will draw on ‘first-hand’ operational skills and help give you the tools and knowledge to enhance your accommodation business, connect with the right distribution partners and collaborate with peers to maximise your marketing and participation in the visitor economy.
TOURISM FUTURE LAUNCH EVENT
Join us for the official Sapphire Coast Tourism Future launch on Tuesday 29th March 2022, held at the Bega Valley Commemorative Civic Centre. Gain unique industry insights, hear from special guest speakers and learn about the significance of the program for our amazing region.
CULTURAL TOURISM MASTERCLASS
Join colleagues and tourism experts in partnership with South East Arts to enhance your event or cultural business by improving connections with, and maximising tourism opportunities. This masterclass will take place directly prior to the Sapphire Coast Tourism Future launch event.
ACCESSIBLE TOURISM MASTERCLASS
Join colleagues and accessible tourism experts in this specialist masterclass, designed to provide a comprehensive overview of the accessible tourism market, enhance your Disability Awareness in a tourism environment and develop customer service training for your staff.
Bega Valley Shire Council supports destination marketing by funding and working in partnership with Sapphire Coast Destination Marketing and our Visitor Information Centres to help promote the Sapphire Coast and its visitor economy.
Imagery courtesy Sapphire Coast Destination Marketing,
David Rogers Photography & Destination NSW.