A new Limestone Coast visitor guide is expected to arrive within weeks, ahead of what could be a critical time for the region’s tourism operators and industry.
The ‘Limestone Coast Visitor Guide’ will be created by Adelaide-based publisher HWR Media, a 30-year-old company known for its work on other guides across the state.
An opening print run of 50,000 Limestone Coast guides will be distributed through Visitor Information Centres and across the state and nation.
An online digital version and microsite will be created and be made accessible via smartphone and on SouthAustralia.com.
Digital posters with scannable QR or SMS codes will also be created, allowing travellers to receive the guide direct to their mobile device.
HWR Media group publishing editor Jacqui Harbison told The SE Voice information about major towns and unique experiences to be found on the Limestone Coast, including wine, food, natural history and lifestyle, will be in the new guides.
The guides will also be full of inspiring imagery to “entice visitors to the region”.
The response to the guides from industry has been extremely positive, Ms Harbison said.
Distribution of the guides after 22 December will be managed by Visitor Information Centres, with HWR Media aiming to meet that deadline ahead of a usually busy summer season of travel.
“Any tourism operators are encouraged to also have the (visitor guide) on hand for guests,” Ms Harbison told The SE Voice.
“Our account managers have been visiting operators over the past couple of weeks and they are all keen to see the (visitor guides) available for holiday makers and those still planning a visit during the busy summer season.”
It is understood the Limestone Coast Local Government Association is supportive of the publication, due to a current gap in the region’s marketing mix.
The news comes as all Australian states and territories, except for Western Australia, prepare to reopen their domestic borders, following an agreement struck at the last National Cabinet meeting.
Speaking to the press after the meeting, Prime Minister Scott Morrison said National Cabinet had also agreed to measures that would aim to ensure states and territories remain open in 2021.
Australians, he said, would need to accept that checking into venues, maintaining social distancing and adhering to COVID-safe measures were new normal parts of life.
“The task is to reopen safely and then to stay safely open,” Mr Morrison said.
Tourism and experience operators can contact circulation@hwrmedia.com.au for further information regarding the new Limestone Coast regional guide.
