In the wake of the horrific bushfire crisis and prolonged dry spell gripped much of the country, Tourism Australia launched its Holiday Here campaign to urge tourists - particularly Australians - to travel within Australia this year and help support fire and drought affected areas get back on their feet.
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And the MidCoast Council Barrington Coast team is partnering with Tourism Australia to urge tourists to "holiday here this year."
The Mid Coast was one of the first areas to be hit hard by fires, devastating many Manning communities such as Bobin, Caparra and Killabakh. And large parts of the region have been drought stricken for more than 12 months.
"We're inviting holidaymakers from across Australia to be inspired by the beautiful countryside and breathtaking coastline of the Barrington Coast, revisit an old favourite spot or uncover somewhere completely new," MidCoast Council growth, economic development and tourism manager, Deb Tuckerman said.
Whether you live on the coast or in the hinterland, your Barrington Coast backyard is 10,053 square kilometres and there are still months of great weather to get out and about.
- Sharon Bultitude
"We are among the first to jump aboard this initiative with our social media campaign starting the same day that the $20 million Tourism Australia campaign was announced.
"Our posts have already been picked up and shared by Tourism Australia and Visit NSW, reaching thousands of potential visitors."
Council is also urging local business owners and residents to jump on board the campaign and capitalise on the exposure opportunities by tagging and promoting themselves on social media.
Businesses can download the toolkit of information and tips, available on the Barrington Coast business hub website, post photos on its social media channels and tag #holidayherethisyear, #barringtoncoast, @barringtoncoast, @visitnsw, @australia.
At the same time residents can support the campaign by sharing a photo on their personal social media pages that showcases this beautiful region and use the same tags to get the attention of potential holidaymakers.
Locals are also encouraged to rally friends and relatives to holiday on the Barrington Coast in 2020 and consider exploring more of the region themselves.
Barrington Coast destination management co-ordinator, Sharon Bultitude believes the campaign would be positive and optimistic.
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"It's all about working together to support those communities that have been directly and indirectly affected by the fires and drought," she said
"Over the coming months we'll be showcasing experiences and regions from across the Barrington Coast to help holidaymakers decide that now more than ever, 'I'm going to holiday here this year'.
"Whether you live on the coast or in the hinterland, your Barrington Coast backyard is 10,053 square kilometres and there are still months of great weather to get out and about."
To find out more about tourism on the MidCoast, head to the Barrington Coast website, the Facebook page or or check out Instagram.
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