People power part of TA campaign

GOLD Coast residents could be the driving force to draw visitors to the region following an initiative by Tourism Australia.

Tourism Australia’s ‘There’s nothing like Australia’ campaign offers Australians the opportunity to tell the world what’s unique and special about the country.

The campaign urges Australians to upload photographs and stories of their favourite holiday destination to the campaign website, nothinglikeaustralia.com.

Tourism Australia managing director Andrew McEvoy, says the campaign tapped into research that showed 96 per cent of Australians believe they know the secret to a great Australian holiday, while eight in 10 would like to help promote their country to the world.

“We believe that Australians are the experts on what is unique and special about their country, and we want to share these stories with potential travellers in a way that will make them want to come and visit Australia,” says McEvoy.

Tourism Australia will use the entries to create a new interactive map of Australia that will be searchable by experience type, location, and by 1000 keywords.

The map will be hosted on australia.com, which attracts more than a million visitors each month, and also at nothinglikeaustralia.com.

Gold Coast Mayor Ron Clarke says it provides an opportunity for residents to talk up the Coast.

“Tourism Australia will select a number of entries for inclusion in on-line and global print advertising, so I am encouraging Gold Coasters to upload as many entries as they can to showcase the amazing natural and built attractions of our city and Hinterland,” he says.

“All they have to do is upload a photo and describe why there’s nothing like the Gold Coast. This is a not-to-be-missed chance to promote what we believe is Australia’s premier holiday destination.”

Gold Coast Tourism CEO Martin Winter, says everyone has a positive story from their time spent on the glitter strip.

“Every Gold Coast experience has the potential to bring a new visitor to our city and all Gold Coasters have the opportunity to share their story,” he says.