The Central Coast Mariners have joined forces with Central Coast Tourism in a bid to drive more people to the idyllic Central Coast region for more than just football.
Central Coast Tourism and the Central Coast Mariners aim to exceed a target of 72, 000 visitors to the Central Coast who will travel from outside the region to watch the Mariners play.
Both organisations will work in collaboration to develop accommodation, and entertainment packages that will create more reasons for avid football fans to stay longer on the Central Coast.
The relationship between Tourism and the Mariners presents great opportunities for the Central Coast that has the potential to assist financial investment, increased job opportunities and general growth here IN the Central Coast.
“A key role for the Mariners is to represent the Central Coast on the national stage, by working with Central Coast Tourism we aim to attract over 72,000 travelling supporters to the coast,” Central Coast Mariners CEO Shaun Mielekamp said.
“In 2013 the direct expenditure into the Central Coast economy driven by the Central Coast Mariners excededed 7.7 million, our goal for 2016 is to hit the 10 million mark.
“This will provide a great lift in crowd numbers that combined with our local Members and supporters will generate a sensational match day experience that truly represents the Central Coast as a destination worth coming to.
“We have already started this journey through a new ticketing strategy that is not only attractive to local supporters with family tickets starting from $35 but in addition we have launched 10% discount for the away club members when they purchase tickets online before the game.
Central Coast Tourism’s Chief Executive Officer, Robyne Abernethy confirms ‘Events, in particular sporting events, are proven drivers of visitation to the region and partnering with the Mariners allows us to connect with visiting supporters to drive longer stays, greater visitor dispersal and repeat visitation,” Abernethy said.
“The Mariners national profile provides a perfect opportunity to showcase our region and support our local team.
“Recently our campaign activity has highlighted our wide variety of attractions and activities, encouraging visitors to enjoy ‘72’ hours of fun. A long term goal of Central Coast Destination Management Plan for the Visitor Economy is to increase the average length of stay from 2.8 to 3 nights by 2017.”
