On June 26 2008 at the Ballina RSL Club, Paul Ferguson, President of Tourism Ballina Inc. (The Shires Private Sector Tourism Industry Body), introduced a set of new initiatives.

‘By and for the Members’ and the benefit of the Ballina Coast & Hinterland, a 30 second TV Advertising Commercial had its public premier. Described as a ‘Postcard from Ballina’, with the branding slogan of ‘Ballina…it will take your breath away…’.

The audience of some thirty Tourism Operators and Guests were ecstatic.

The commercial has been produced in conjunction with Southern Cross Ten for airing initially in the Lismore Region, which covers the area from Tweed to Yamba and west to Tenterfield from 6th July 2008, followed two weeks later in the Toowoomba area.

Paul explained that the motivation behind these initiatives was to provide added value to its Members, credibility for the organisation and BOOST the local economy. We are often lost within regional advertising campaigns and whilst this compliments those activities, we have concentrated on promoting the Ballina Coast & Hinterland.

The ‘call to action’ is the Member’s top ranking website www.tourismballina.com.au , which, as part of this initiative has been revamped to better promote Member’s Operations. The advertisement can also be viewed there online. A by-products of the filming, is that we now have a base advertisement, additional footage and stills in order to produce a 4 to 5 minute montage Promotional DVD. Free to Members, this will also be commercially available for Conferences, Seminars, Trade Shows or as a Sales and Educational tool.

From the branding slogan ‘Ballina.. it will take your breath away…’, we now have merchandising options…from:

The possibilities are endless.

Also launched on the night, was the new 2008/9 Membership Prospectus, with affordable prices to join or further promote your business. This is viewable and downloadable from the website.

In summing up, Paul thanked those who have kept the secret and worked with the Committee to make this a reality.

This is a very exciting time for us, as we move up a gear as an organisation. We look forward to receiving support from the Industry and Council in order to sustain these activities.

Read about our upcoming events and join in the discussion of Ballina Tourism. Help make our region grow.

Tourism Ballina is the Private Sector Tourism Industry’s Membership body, driving the growth of Ballina Coast & Hinterland tourism businesses.

By supporting these businesses you are supporting the improvement of tourism services in Ballina and this helps all those that live and work here as well as visitors from outside of the region.

For any website advertising opportunities or enquiries please contact Dave at secretary@tourismballina.com.au