MICE to visit Port Stephens

PORT STEPHENS - A group of around 30 conference organisers, destination management companies and media from NSW, Victoria and QLD will visit Port Stephens on September 12-13, 2013, as part of a program to showcase the region as a corporate and event destination.

Local body, MICE Port Stephens – part of Destination Port Stephens -  is coordinating the high-level visit with organisations in Newcastle and the Hunter Valley – the first time the three regions have worked together to  promote the area’s appeal to the high-yield meeting, incentive, convention and event markets (MICE).

The three-day program from September 12-14 for the group will include visits to all three regions, with the delegates staying in Port Stephens for one busy but comprehensive itinerary from 5pm on Thursday, September 12 to 4.30pm on Friday, September 13. In that time, the group will visit Fighterworld for a welcome dinner, stay at one of five accommodation properties (list below) in Port Stephens and enjoy experiences that MICE Port Stephens has launched as new activity itineraries for the corporate market. These categories comprise:

* ‘Thrill Me’ – Thundaraft, Port Stephens Parasailing and Port Stephens 4WD

* ‘Pamper Me’ – Shoal Bay Resort & Spa treatments, Blue Water Sailing and Yoga on the Beach at Amarna Resort

* ‘Teach Me’ – Tamboi Queen corporate fishing experience, whale-watch cruise with Imagine Cruises and beer  tasting and education at Murray’s Brewery.

And after being thrilled, pampered and taught, the delegates will sail with Moonshadow Cruises from Port Stephens to Newcastle to continue their itinerary of the region.

Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Events Manager for Destination Port Stephens, Rebecca Morley, said the visit was an important one for the region, with organisers of major events and conferences able to see for themselves the appeal of Port Stephens and the wider region as a venue for exciting and successful conferences, group events, product launches and team-building and training sessions.

“Port Stephens has long been a popular seaside destination for leisure travellers but this visit aims to show how the area is also perfect for corporate visitors who want to work and play any time of the year in a spectacular but relaxed environment,” Ms Morley said. “Port Stephens, the Hunter Valley and Newcastle offer different but complementary experiences close to each that these delegates will see first-hand during this visit and we’re hoping this project will lead to our region attracting a bigger slice of the lucrative MICE market.”

Accommodation properties that will host the corporate delegates on the visit include Ibis Styles Salamander Shores, Shoal Bay Resort & Spa, The Anchorage, The Nelson Resort and Conference Centre and Port Stephens Beachside Holiday Parks.

Sourced: TravelDailyNews