Eurobodalla Shire Council has launched a virtual postcard campaign (vPostcard), which local residents can use to encourage family and friends to visit.
The postcards showcase some of the shire residents’ favourite places and businesses, and people in the Eurobodalla will be able to submit their own photographs to grow the collection during the next year.
Eurobodalla Shire Council will be holding monthly competitions to encourage residents and businesses to photograph and submit their favourite places, with the first competition prize being 10 spots on a Montague Island snorkelling and whale tour from Narooma Charters worth $950.
Eurobodalla Shire Council’s tourism manager, Tim Booth, said shire residents are again thinking about visits from loved ones following COVID-19 restrictions.
“While we’re still waiting for some borders to open, the vPostcards are a great way to spark some holiday fun, both now and in the future,” he said.
“The vPostcard platform is easy to use and already features 36 of the shire’s best loved attractions and activities. Just choose your favourite, type in your message, then press send to email it to family and friends.”
Mr Booth invited locals to suggest their favourite places, activities and businesses to be included as vPostcards.
“Submit your own images or story on the website or on Instagram using the hashtag #eurofav,” he said.
“We’ll have monthly prizes for the best submissions – including a $950 Montague Island snorkelling and whale tour from Narooma Charters – and the chance to be featured in a new vPostcard. All the details are on the website.”
Eurobodalla Shire Council Mayor Liz Innes welcomed the vPostcard campaign.
“It’s been a tough time for all in the shire, and our tourism and hospitality businesses were particularly hard hit,” she said.
“I’m pleased to say things are finally looking up. We’re hearing occupancy rates are above 90 per cent for the current school holidays, and bookings for the summer break are already well above normal for this time of year.
“The vPostcards complement those strong figures. Family and friends staying in spare rooms and granny flats across the shire make a considerable contribution to our tourism economy as they eat, drink and enjoy our fantastic region.”
The vPostcards will be available for 12 months so residents can use them to invite friends and family to visit.