The ATDW website has had a makeover.
But our commitment to Australian tourism is as strong as ever.
For Merimbula Tourism Inc in New South Wales, that challenge was front and centre as they set out to launch The Merimbula Merroir, a month-long celebration of the region’s iconic oysters. With a non-existent marketing budget, the path forward demanded resourcefulness, collaboration, and the right digital tools.
Hanna Marshall, leading the charge at Merimbula Tourism Inc, had an ambitious vision: unite 25 local businesses under the banner of The Merimbula Merroir, encouraging oyster-themed events throughout October.
The goal was to showcase the region’s unique coastal culture and culinary excellence. But with no funds for paid advertising, Hanna needed a solution that could deliver significant reach - without significant spend.
Turning to ATDW, Hanna found exactly what she needed. By listing The Merimbula Merroir as an event on ATDW, she unlocked access to a vast distribution network - reaching trusted tourism platforms like Destination NSW and dozens of other reputable sites. This centralised approach meant Hanna didn’t have to manually upload the event to multiple platforms, saving time and ensuring consistency.
A dedicated landing page on the Merimbula Visitor Information Centre website and targeted social media posts rounded out the grassroots campaign, but ATDW’s free event profile became the cornerstone of the event’s digital presence.
The impact was immediate and far-reaching. When Hanna searched for The Merimbula Merroir online, she was delighted to see the event featured across a host of platforms - reaching both industry stakeholders and the travelling public. The event’s visibility soared, all without a single dollar spent on advertising.
“ATDW allowed us to promote our event with ease to those who would benefit most. Our profiles reached industry networks that then shared it further, as well as directly reaching the public.”
Hanna’s experience highlights several key reasons why ATDW stands out for destinations and grassroots operators:
ATDW connects your events and experiences with trusted channels, such as your State or Territory Tourism Organisation (STO) website and broad audiences, maximising exposure.
Free profiles mean even the smallest organisations can access national-level distribution.
Centralised content distribution eliminates duplication and saves valuable staff time.
Hanna rated ATDW’s customer support 10/10, praising the guidance and responsiveness of the team. Her advice to other destinations and tourism operators is clear:
“It’s an essential part of the overall marketing mix. You won’t be able to achieve this level of distribution without an ATDW profile.”
ATDW is more than just a data platform - it’s a catalyst for regional growth and grassroots success. For destinations like Merimbula, it means the power to unite local businesses, amplify unique events, and reach new audiences - all without the barrier of a marketing budget.
