Tourism operators in Port Stephens have rallied together to form a new body to target the MICE market.
Officially named MICE Port Stephens, the organisation’s sole purpose is to attract more corporate visitors and bring more MICE tourism to the region.
Backed by 22 tourism operators, the organization will also host regular famil trips for conference organisers.
MICE Port Stephens coordinator Rebecca Lavis explained that the goal was to position Port Stephens as the “number one regional MICE destination in NSW”.
And following the continued success of the ‘P.S. I Love You’ campaign’ for the leisure market, she remains confident the goal is within reach.
“The campaign has been so successful in the Sydney market to attract leisure visitation, but part of our core strategy is to be able to translate that interest for Port Stephens as the ideal MICE destination,” she told The Nibbler.
“We are in the early stages of the project, but are extremely confident we can hit this goal,” she added.
Port Stephens Tourism Marketing Manager Tars Bylhouwer also expects the new organization to bolster MICE tourism.
“Our latest campaign has reinvigorated our brand and placed Port Stephens top of mind for all types of travel,” he said. “The MICE market has the potential to offer strong midweek and non-peak season visitation and MICE tourism also delivers to our area high yield business.
Assisted by funding by Port Stephens Tourism, MICE Port Stephens will target Sydney corporates and PCOs by providing information, education and product launches. MICE Port Stephens will host its first Sydney showcase in Walsh Bay tonight.
