Tourism campaign shows it’s all happening here

TOURISM Greater Geelong and the Bellarine (TGGB) have launched their latest campaign showcasing everything there is to see and do around the region during the cooler months.

The new campaign, Greater Happens Here, features several local businesses in a series of short video snippets, GIF style visuals and static imagery.

TGGB executive director Tracy Carter said the campaign aims to encourage local residents to get out and discover something new this winter.

“Greater Happens Here showcases the diversity of experiences we have in our region during winter, from cosy wineries and welcoming breweries, to live music, creative performances, family friendly attractions, heart-warming winter events and more.”

Along with showcasing local businesses, the latest campaign also tells the stories of groups in the region including the Salty Bitches, a cold water swimming group in the Bellarine, who share what they enjoy in the region and encourage locals to get out and do the same.

Ms Carter said TGGB had recognised a big reason people came to Geelong and the Bellarine is to visit a loved one.

“We’ve often commented the most important tourist attraction in Geelong is the people who live here.

“What we want is people who are going to come and visit Geelong residents. We want them going out and having a good time and not just sitting around at home.”

Locals will be able to see a sense of themselves in the domestic-focused campaign that also encourages new residents in the region to discover what’s on offer.

“We really want to make sure local people know plenty about what they can see and do in the region, to show them a good time, be a good host and be a good tour guide,” Ms Carter said.

“It’s obviously a really critical time of year for the tourism industry that needs that bit of a boost, particularly hospitality and some of the other experiences.

“It’s important for us to really turn up the dial on focusing on these things and implementing campaigns at a time of year when they’re needed for the sector.”

The campaign has started to roll out and will run until the September school holidays.

For more information, head to tourismgeelongbellarine.com.au