Nimbin the focus of marketing campaign

Nimbin will be the focus of a new marketing campaign to help the village recover from the fire, which ripped through its heart last year.

The $120,000 marketing campaign is designed to increase tourist numbers in the wake of the fire that destroyed the Nimbin Museum, Rainbow Café, and retail outlets including Bringabong.

Lismore City Council, North Coast Destination Network, and Destination NSW are making the funds available.

Lismore council’s tourism and events manager Mitch Lowe said the campaign aimed to highlight to visitors that Nimbin was “open for business”.

‘Unfortunately, after natural disasters, perceptions can be that destinations are still affected – we want to dispel that and welcome people to experience all that Nimbin has to offer,’ Mr Lowe said.

‘While the fire was tragic, the atmosphere and colour of the village remains largely unchanged.’

‘Nimbin is such an iconic destination, with over 150,000 visitors each year.

‘The main aim of this campaign is to encourage existing visitors to stay a little longer and spend a little more.

‘A major focus will be on attracting visitors from south-east Queensland and regional NSW, along with existing international visitors who have travelled to the Byron region.’

Mr Lowe said the campaign would be developed in partnership with the Nimbin Chamber of Commerce, Nimbin Advisory Group and local business and tourism operators.

‘The project partners will work with local businesses and tourism operators to develop a campaign that is positive for local retailers and community,’ he said.

‘The campaign will focus on the many unique and fascinating attractions in Nimbin.’

‘Marketing will include a new television commercial, print and online advertising, visits from travel journalists and many more elements.’

The campaign is scheduled to start in June.