Red Carpet Day declared a success

The first Ettalong Red Carpet Day, held on Sunday, September 9, has been declared a success by Peninsula Tourism Partners.

Fifty local small businesses participated in the inaugural Red Carpet Day, according to Ettalong Diggers Visitor Information Centre administrator Ms Kim Cole, which co-hosted the event.

Ms Cole said the Studebaker Car Club visited the Ettalong Diggers Memorial Club car park annually.

"We used the annual car club visit as a centrepiece and then asked all Ettalong businesses to open their doors between 10am and 2pm and offer visitors some special discount or something special for the day," she said.

"One business made a special red cupcake.

"The day spa gave free neck massages.

"The weather was absolutely amazing, and we ran a clicker on the day that reached over 3000 visitors for an inaugural event with no funding and a small team.

"We were very excited it was such a success.

"We are looking at holding more Red Carpet days, already lining up some future car shows in the shoulder period for tourism to create more events and a bit of a buzz in town, not only as a tourism destination but a destination for markets and special events.

"Our local small business owners and operators have been struggling since the diversion of the ferry.

"We are doing everything we can to try and bring people to the area even if it is just to spend $5 to buy a cup of coffee.

"It is all about supporting local businesses and buying locally.

"It was great to see a buzzing town on Sunday.

"We painted the town red with balloons and red carpets.

"Even people who did not know about it were asking what it was all about.

"It has given the business owners and opportunity to get motivated and work together to promote our beautiful area," she said.

SOURCE:

Interview, 19 Sep 2018

Kim Cole, Ettalong Diggers Visitor Information Centre

Reporter: Jackie Pearson