THE South Coast region's first "whole-of-region" tourism marketing campaign, 'Unspoilt', has contributed to record increases in domestic visitor numbers to the South Coast and more than one million leads to South Coast tourism businesses, according to latest statistics.
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A report released by the state government's tourism and major events agency, Destination NSW, highlights the 'Unspoilt' campaign promoting the South Coast's natural beauty and unique attractions, delivered strongest growth for the South Coast tourism sector since National Visitor Survey reporting began in 1999.
Domestic overnight visitors are at their highest levels since 2004 with an enviable 38.5 per cent growth in visitor nights, and a 31.3 per cent increase in visitors for the September 2013 quarter.
The 'Unspoilt' tourism marketing campaign features people participating in outdoor activities such as surfing and swimming against South Coast backdrops.
Representing the first "whole-of-region" campaign for the South Coast, it brings together the region's five local government areas including Shellharbour, Kiama, Shoalhaven, Eurobodalla and Bega to promote the region's natural beauty and unique attractions.
CEO of Destination NSW, Sandra Chipchase said the five-year growth in total domestic visitors and nights for the South Coast region represents a spectacular outcome, achieving results higher than the Regional NSW average.
South Coast Regional Tourism Organisation's (South Coast RTO) chairwoman Catherine Shields said this partnership has seen the South Coast make the most of available funding through the Regional Visitor Economy Fund (RVEF) and the collaborative approach has resulted in strong outcomes.
She said there are more opportunities to grow the tourism sector as the South Coast RTO strives to build the number of activities and experiences on offer, to entice visitors to spend more and stay longer.
"All five local government areas are delighted with the results that have come from working collaboratively ... and with Destination NSW."
The state government announced a further $391,000 in matched dollar-for-dollar RVEF funding for the South Coast in 2015.
