SWAN Hill Inc reckons the bet365 Swan Hill Cup Carnival is a sure bet for the town.
Its marketing co-ordinator Tameeka Hankin says after COVID, then the floods, the success of the carnival is a “shining example of the resilience of our community”.
Tameeka says having an event as large and high-profile as the three days of racing is really paying off for the town at every level.
She says all available accommodation was booked out well in advance of the weekend and that’s exactly what the sector needed.
The flow-on effect from something this big is remarkable as it also boosts retail, hospitality and other activities in Swan Hill and surrounding district.
“It’s not unlike the Food and Wine Festival, that was another good way to tie up a long weekend and turn Swan Hill into a must destination,” Tameeka says.
“With the appeal of the racing and all the add-ons, music, entertainment for children, fashions, food and the Hub, it has become a major family event and that simply increases our appeal.
“It makes Swan Hill a place people want to come and visit and that sends the clear message we are doing something right.
“Now the carnival has become so big, and so established, Swan Hill Inc doesn’t have to do much to support it on the relevant weekend, but we support our member businesses through the weekend and we will back anything which helps bring tourism and business to Swan Hill.”
Tameeka says it is “very apparent the whole town will be buzzing all weekend”.
She also says its success will help launch a couple more promotions Swan Hill Inc has planned to keep things ticking over in town.
“Later this month we will have our Grab a Grand promotion through 3SH, where shoppers can try and win a voucher – there will be one a week for three weeks – and each Friday that week’s winner gets to have an hour to see how much they can buy with $1000,” Tameeka explains.
“That will be followed by another promotion – this time in partnership with The Guardian – which will focus on the wider retail community as well as the CBD and people entering will be in the draw for a widescreen TV.
“All these are designed to simply keep the business profile of Swan Hill in everyone’s minds.
“And when the next school holidays come around we also have organised a Where’s Wally competition for the kids – where they will have an image of Wally and then have to match it up with the business where he has been pictured.
“Prizes for this will include Swan Hill gift cards and Where’s Wally book packs. It’s something to keep the kids engaged and make life easier for parents taking their children to town.
“But this weekend, everyone’s focus will be, and should be, on the three days of racing and just how much good news this is for Swan Hill.”
