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NEW TOUR – BEACH & DUNE

a group of people on a beach

Launching on 1st March 2020 is our new Beach & Dune tour.

The beach and dune tour is designed to give customers a taste of our amazing Australian beaches, walking along and feeling the sand between their toes. This backdrop allows for amazing photos and our guides will give a brief commentary about the beach, and show you the local Pipis, and how to wiggle and find them. After our beach component, drive up into the dunes for an unlimited Sandboarding Adventure on the largest moving coastal sand mass in the Southern Hemisphere.

Tours depart daily at 10am and 2:30pm. Extra tours during school holidays. Prices start at $25

We are excited to be launching this tour, and our staff are keen to show off our amazing backyard!

a group of people on a beach

PORT STEPHENS 4WD TOURS WINS GOLD X2 AT THE 2019 NSW TOURISM AWARDS

Last night at the 2019 NSW Tourism Awards, Port Stephens 4WD Tours won our second GOLD award for best tour and transport operator.

In attendance was:

  • Chris Fogg – director
  • Angus Jameson – operations manager
  • Sean Andrews – marketing manager

Managed by the Tourism Industry Division of the NSW Business Chamber, the state’s peak business organisation, and supported by the NSW Government via its tourism and major events agency, Destination NSW the NSW Tourism Awards recognise those businesses who exemplify quality tourism. These businesses provide leadership in innovation, marketing and in the delivery of quality products and services. These are businesses who advance and promote the NSW and Australian tourism industry through consistent customer service and quality experiences to all.

We look forward to attending the 2020 NSW Tourism Awards and hope to win our third gold award and enter the NSW Tourism Awards Hallf Of Fame.

 

PORT STEPHENS ATTENDS AUSTRALIA MARKETPLACE INDIA 2019

Port Stephens 4WD Tours alongside Moonshadow TQC represented Port Stephens as the annual Tourism Australia trade show in India, Australia Marketplace India (previously known as India Travel Mission)

Australia Marketplace India 2019 will take place in Kochi, Kerala, India from 8 to 11 August, followed by a networking dinner in Mumbai on 12 August. The program includes pre-scheduled meetings between buyers and sellers, and networking events. The event is an opportunity for representatives from Australian tourism industry to establish business relationships with key qualified travel agencies and tour operators from India, including the main cities of Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai, Kolkata, Ahmedabad, Pune and Kochi.

We met over 100+ agents from India in the space of 3 days promoting Port Stephens. There is a big focus for Indians travelling to Australia in 2019 due to the T20 ICC Cricket World Cup, with the womens being played in February-March, and the mens being played in October-November.

The event was a great success and we look forward to welcoming many Indian travellers to Port Stephens in the very near future 🙂

 

PORT STEPHENS 4WD TOURS ATTENDS THE 2019 AUSTRALIAN TOURISM EXCHANGE IN PERTH

Port Stephens was very well represented at ATE19 in Perth with the following companies attending the trademark event.

  • Port Stephens 4WD Tours
  • Moonshadow TQC
  • Sand Dune Adventures
  • Oakvale Wildlife Park
  • The Anchorage
  • 4WD Tours R US
  • Destination Port Stephens

The Australian Tourism Exchange (ATE) is Australia’s largest annual travel and tourism business-to-business event.

The event brings together Australian tourism businesses, and tourism wholesalers and retailers from around the world through a combination of scheduled business appointments and networking events. It also provides international travel buyers with the opportunity to experience Australia’s tourism offering first-hand through pre and post-event familiarisations. Around 1,500 Australian seller delegates from approximately 550 companies, 650 key buyer delegates from over 30 countries, and 70 international and Australian media attend this global event. Organised by Tourism Australia in partnership with Tourism Western Australia, ATE19 will take place at the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre from 8 to 12 April.

Port Stephens 4WD Tours met over 100+ agents during the 4 day event from countries such as China, South Korea, India, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia etc.

We look forward to attending next years event which will be held in Melbourne in May 2020.

 

PORT SEPHENS 4WD TOURS ATTENDS THE 2019 PTAA TRAVEL TRADE EXPO IN MANILA, PHILLIPINES

Port Stephens 4WD Tours was invited to attend the PTAA Travel Trade Expo in March 2018 held in Manila, Phillipines. Only 4 Australian based companies attended the show, they were:

  • Port Stephens 4WD Tours – NSW
  • Moonshadow TQC – NSW
  • AAT Kings – National
  • Gold Coast Tourism Alliance – QLD

The Travel Tour Expo (TTE), considered as the country’s biggest annual travel and tourism event, was initially held so that Philippine Travel Agencies Association (PTAA) members could have a platform to offer discounted domestic and international travel deals along with other travel related products and merchandize. Participating companies now include travel and tour agencies, airlines, hotels and resorts, theme parks, national tourism organizations including the Philippine Department of Tourism, and travel insurance companies.

PORT STEPHENS 4WD TOURS WINS GOLD AT THE 2018 NSW TOURISM AWARDS

Celebrations all round, as Port Stephens 4WD Tours won gold for Tour/Transport operator at the 2018 NSW Tourism Awards. Presentation & Gala event was held at the Luna Park on Thursday 22nd November 2018. Managed by the Tourism Industry division of the NSW Business Chamber, the state’s peak business organisation, and proudly supported by the NSW Government, the NSW Tourism Awards celebrate and acknowledge tourism excellence in NSW.

The event was attended by 6 representatives from Port Stephens 4WD Tours

  • Chris Fogg – Director
  • Kylie Fogg – Director
  • Alison Schneeberger – Director
  • Kevin Schneeberger – Director
  • Mark Murphy – Business manager
  • Sean Andrews – Marketing manager

Our managing director, Chris Fogg said, “It’s a fantastic opportunity for our business to grow, move forward and to show our staff what their amazing contribution and hard work over the years to the business can deliver us, it’s been incredible for us.”

Marketing Manager, Sean Andrews said “Winning GOLD at the NSW Tourism Awards has been an ambition of mine since I started in this role. To be able to finally achieve this award, is an amazing feeling and I’m incredibly proud to have finally come out on top. Having such a passionate team working for us makes everyone’s job easier, we know our customers are getting the best experience possible and receiving this award is a true testament to our hard work and approach to providing a top-quality experience”.

We would like to congratulate everyone who were winners and finalists at the 2018 NSW Tourism Awards, to have the success acknowledged in front of industry peers is an amazing achievement. We look forward to representing NSW at the Australian Tourism Awards on the 1st March in Launceston, Tasmania.

JEUNESSE GLOBAL INCENTIVE GROUP VISITS PORT STEPHENS

During mid May 2018, Port Stephens will welcome over 6,000 visitors from China and Taiwan who will experience our dolphins and dunes as part of the Jeunesse Lifestyle Rewards 2018 event. Port Stephens operators have been working hard to build incentive travel for many years and we hope this will be the first of many incentive groups who will get to experience Port Stephens!

Each day, 28 coaches will arrive and split into two groups for a morning and afternoon dolphins and dunes experience. Moonshadow-TQC will host the groups to see our resident dolphins with Port Stephens 4WD Tours, along with the help of Melaleuca Backpackers, taking them on a sandboarding adventure on the Worimi Conservation Lands. All the groups will meet at lunchtime at Murrays Brewery where they will not only enjoy a delicious lunch but also get to meet some of the Aussie animals from Oakvale Wildlife Park who will be on site at Murrays Brewery each day.

The flow on benefits from this group, mid-week in May are significant and will have a positive impact across the Port Stephens economy and without a doubt, the PR exposure in China will be huge!  These guys have been taking heaps of photos and we all know how effective social media and personal recommendations can be in generating travel to a destination.

PORT STEPHENS ATTENDS THE WYSE EXCHANGE 2018

In partnership with Destination NSW and with the support of BOA NSW, WYSE Travel Confederation will deliver the 2018 WYSE Exchange Australia, 8-10 May, in Sydney. WYSE Exchange Australia connects Australian businesses involved in the youth, student, adventure and backpacker travel sector with key international buyers from around the world. The event incorporates trading, education, social events and familiarisations for the hosted buyers. Now in its second edition the event has established itself as a unique platform to meet new trading partners and help grow Australia’s inbound youth travel industry. WYSE Exchange Australia is a bi-annual event of WYSE Travel Confederation.

Attending on behalf of Port Stephens was:

  • Sean Andrews – Port Stephens 4WD Tours
  • Elyss Larkham – Moonshadow TQC
  • Ian & Jai Boicos – 4WD Tours R US

PORT STEPHENS 4WD TOURS ATTENDS THE 2018 AUSTRALIAN TOURISM EXCHANGE IN ADELAIDE

Port Stephens was shining at ATE18, being represented by the following Port Stephens operators

  • Port Stephens 4WD Tours
  • Moonshadow TQC
  • Sand Dune Adventures
  • Hotel Nelson
  • The Anchorage
  • 4WD Tours R US
  • Destination Port Stephens

The Australian Tourism Exchange is Australia’s largest annual travel and tourism business-to-business event.

The event brings together Australian tourism businesses and tourism wholesalers and retailers from around the world through a combination of scheduled business appointments and networking events. It also provides international travel buyers with the opportunity to experience Australia’s tourism offering first-hand through pre and post event familiarisations. Around 1,500 Australian seller delegates from approximately 550 companies, 700 key buyer delegates from over 30 countries, and over 80 international and Australian media attend this global event. Organised by Tourism Australia in partnership with the South Australian Tourism Commission, ATE18 will take place at the Adelaide Convention Centre from 15 to 19 April 2018.

We met over 100+ agents and we look forward to attending next years event which will be held in Perth in April 2019.

PORT STEPHENS REPRESENTED AT THE NEW ZEALAND FLIGHT CENTRE TRAVEL EXPO

Destination Port Stephens alongside Destination NSW shared a booth at the New Zealand Flight Centre Travel Expo in Auckland on the 23rd & 24th September 2017. Port Stephens was represented by Sean Andrews from Port Stephens 4WD Tours. The expo is a consumer event where general public attend for holiday/travel deals and seek information on their upcoming or potential holiday. Port Stephens visitor guides were well distributed as well as self-drive options and accommodation deals in Port Stephens and NSW. Also representing Australia at the expo was Queensland, Western Australia and a general Australia booth.

Over 15,000 people attended the event over the two days. Most popular forms of travel for New Zealanders were:

  • 2-3 days before or after a cruise heading to/departing Sydney
  • Long weekend in Sydney (Thursday to Monday)
  • Self-drive between Gold Coast and Sydney or vice versa

The event was a great success and Port Stephens is well and truly on the travel radar for New Zealanders travelling to NSW.

a man standing in front of a box

CHECK OUT OUR PORT STEPHENS 4WD TOURS NEW PROMO VIDEO

Throughout March and April 2017, Port Stephens 4WD Tours created a new promo video that will be used to sell the business internationally, as well as be used in marketing collateral. The video showcases our Sandboarding Adventure, our modern fleet of 4WD vehicles, happy customers and the amazing landscape of the Stockton Sand Dunes. We are proud to say that we utilised the services of a local video production buisness based in Anna Bay, Port Stephens. Port Stephens 4WD Tours is passionate about promoting and using local businesses. Check our the video here:

PORT STEPHENS 4WD TOURS SELLS TO INTERNATIONAL BUYERS AT ATE17

On the 15th, 16th, 17th and 18th May 2017, The 38th annual Australian Tourism Exchange was held this year at the International Convention Centre in Darling Harbour, Sydney. ATE is a business-2-buisness event for building future tourism oppurtunities for Australia. Bringing together over 2500 tourism delegates from more than 30 countries, making it the biggest ATE event in nearly a decade.

To see the wide range of tourism operators showcasing their amazing products was incredible. Products from all over the nation showcasing the natural beauty that is Australia, the delicious food and wine, the adrenaline filled tours, the cultural tours all working together to put Australia on display to the world.

Port Stephens 4WD Tours met with over 95 buyers, predominately from the Eastern markets. Our International Specialist, Martin Rees and the Marketing Manager, Sean Andrews attended for the full program and showcased the Stockton beach Sand Dunes. Also promoting Port Stephens & the Hunter region was Destination Port Stephens, Moonshadow-TQC, Sand Dune Adventures, Balloons Aloft, Hunter Valley Resort, Newcastle Beach Hotel & Newcastle Airport to name a few.

Many thanks to Destination NSW and Tourism Australia for hosting such a full on event. Looking forward to seeing everyone in Adelaide for ATE18.

a group of people posing for a photo in front of a store

 PORT STEPHENS 4WD TOURS & OAKFIELD RANCH CAMEL RIDES FEATURED ON ‘FUN ABROAD’ TV SHOW

‘Fun Abroad’ is a Chinese televison programme aired in over 30 countries including Asia-Pacific, North America & Europe, reaching over 30 million people every day. In this episode, hosts Angel Chow & Alvin Ng will travel to Sydney and surrounds to explore the exciting things to do in Sydney and regional NSW. Also being shot is the Gold Coast & Canberra.

The crew shot in mid-November 2016 and the episodes went to air in early February 2017. Check out the episode here……..ENJOY

PORT STEPHENS AT THE NSW SECONDARY SCHOOL PRINCIPALS CONFERENCE 14TH, 15TH & 16TH JUNE 2016

Port Stephens 4WD Tours along with several other Port Stephens businesses such as Moonshadow TQC, Imagine Cruises, The Retreat Port Stephens, Irukandji Encounters and more, attended the NSW Secondary Schools Principal’s Conference held over 3 days in mid June at the Crowne Plaza, Hunter Valley. Our aim was to persuade the decision makers of these secondary schools into bringing more groups and classes to Port Stephens to experience our educational potential. Over 300 schools were in attedance and our booth on the day showed off everything Port Stephens has to offer from school camps in the bush, marine studies on the water, geography and ecosystems at risk studies on the sand dunes, the educational market is huge and it is there ready for Port Stephens to capture.

Many other booths were in attendance as well from gym flooring, DELL computers, school signage, SMART boards, many school photography businesses and of course The Great Aussie Bush Camp, we all believed the conference was a success and we hope to see more schools coming to Port Stephens to experience what we have to offer.

a group of people standing in front of a store

WYSE EXCHANGE AND NSW 2016 BOA BALL – FRIDAY 8TH APRIL

Port Stephens 4WD Tours Marketing Manager, Sean Andrews attended the WYSE Youth Conference on April 8th at Doltone House, Darling Harbour. The conference was a great learning curve for staff as it helped better understand the youth market in Australia. How to adapt and listen to Gen Y & Z and promote our business to that market through ways that appeal to them. With guest speakers from all over the globe, we heard first hand what they like, who they like, why they choose products and how they are influenced to experience that product. In a market that is brought up in ever changing technology, businesses need to go to them over an online presence and in turn, that will generate business.

On the 8th April post conference, the annual BOA NSW Ball was held at Taronga Zoo. The night’s theme was “Into The Jungle” and many certainly did dress to impress. The night involved pre drinks at the Cargo Bar, Darling Harbour and then a private FantaSea ferry from Kings Wharf to Taronga Zoo and met by a bus trasfer to the function centre. After a very nice meal, live auction and raffle, we danced the night away overlooking the stunning Sydney harbour. It was great meeting so many youth market tourism operators from all over NSW and I look forward to seeing everyone again next year.

PS4WD and the Port Stephens Backpackers Committee will definitely make an appearance next year to sell Port Stephens as a destination and convince people to travel to this remarkable place we call…..HOME!….

a group of people posing for a photo

 

 

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