TOURISTS are set to flood into the region today ahead of this weekend’s Murray Downs Golf and Country Club Swan Hill Cup, bringing a $2.5 million economic boost for local businesses.
Eateries, accommodation providers and retail shops are all taking advantage of the boom in visitors from the three-day event — the most Swan Hill will see all year.
Swan Hill Inc marketing coordinator Julie Wiggins said all motels and caravan parks in town were fully booked, although some home stays were still available yesterday.
The word has also been spread by the new Visit Swan Hill electronic newsletter which has been distributed to previous visitors to the town via their email address details left at the visitor information centre.
“It’s still in its infancy. We’ve sent it out to about 1000 people but that will grow,” Ms Wiggins said.
The 18 rooms at Campbell Street’s Sun Centre Motel are full, with visitors arriving from as far afield as Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth.
Owner Peter Hawkins said in his 14 years running the motel, the June racing weekend had been consistently popular.
“I get a lot of repeat customers. People put a deposit down for the next year because they’re frightened all the accommodation providers will sell out,” he said.
Last year, a record was set when more than 10,000 fans poured through the gates across the three-day event, with 5000 in attendance on cup day alone.
Murray Mallee Racing chief executive Aaron Garvie said he was expecting around the same, but changes to the program and line-up could encourage more through the gates.
“We have made a few changes around the track so there are more facilities, big screens and furniture in bars. Based on our sales so far, we are looking likely to equal last year’s crowd,” he said.
For more on this story pick up a copy of Friday’s Guardian (June 10, 2016).
