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BRAND & MARKETING

CONNECTING
GLOBALLY THROUGH
AN ICONIC WONDER

 

The unique Great Barrier Reef Arena positioning is designed to promote the region’s attractions to external markets and inspire visitation through Australia’s premier tourism asset.

 

The Great Barrier Reef attracts over 2 million people to the Mackay and Whitsundays region each year and is Queensland’s primary tourism attraction.

 

The reef is also prominent feature of marketing campaigns led by Tourism Australia, Tourism and Events Queensland and Regional Tourism Organisations.

 

The positioning capitalises on connection with domestic and international markets through the promotion, broadcast and digital streaming of popular major sporting events, including AFL and cricket

It creates new capacity to market GBR holiday packages through major events and provide unique opportunities for the hosting of professional sporting Clubs from around Australia

GBRA is partnering with key tourism bodies and industry to ensure full value of the positioning is realised through event scheduling, packaging and marketing

 

The opportunity for sale of commercial Arena naming rights was declined in favour of adopting an identity that delivers permanent value for the region’s visitor economy and community.

AN ANCHOR DESTINATION

Great Barrier Reef Arena is a flagship events destination that delivers new tourism product and ignites visitation from multiple markets to the many tourism assets on our doorstep.

 

The presentation and targeted marketing of major sport, cultural and entertainment events at Great Barrier Reef Arena will boost visitor attraction, spending and length of stay across the Mackay, Isaac and Whitsundays regions.

 

The national broadcast of major sporting events from GBRA also provides far-reaching exposure for the region’s natural attractions and inspires the decision to visit.

 

THE VALUE OF EVENT DRIVEN VISITATION

 

38% of all Australian travellers have previously booked holidays of four nights or more to coincide with events. This is usual behaviour for 17% of all travellers.

Festival and event goers have a clear preference for regional destinations – and are repeat customers

34% of festival and event goers travelled to regional Australia on their most recent trip

The most popular form of event attended was a sporting event

Festival and event goers stayed longer when visiting regional Australia with an average length of stay of 6.7 nights in regional Australia compared with 6.1 nights in capital cities


Events staged at Great Barrier Reef Arena will deliver an estimated additional 54,000+ visitor nights to the region each year

EVENT MARKETING

Great Barrier Reef Arena marketing focuses upon utilising Club, partner and event connection to drive visitation to the venue and region from local and domestic markets throughout the year.

 

Tourism Industry Partners

Sports Industry Partners

Event Partners & Producers

Media Partners

Corporate & Community Partners

Government Agency Partners

Harrup Park Club Members & Affiliates

 

Continuous visibility will combine with sector and event specific campaigns to drive connection with the GBRA offering.

 

Key channels include:

Online presence & targeted social media

National, State and Regional Tourism campaigns

Partnered event packaging and promotion

Airport & Transport Hub Presence

Media Editorial & Advertising

Corporate & Social Event Packaging

KEY AUDIENCES

Event Inspired Visitors

Domestic Holidaymakers

International Event & Destination Visitors

Elite & Grassroots Sporting Clubs

Corporate Markets

Local & Regional Community

Harrup Park Members