4 August 2023
Racing hearts and redlined speedometers are par for the course in Council’s spring 2023 tourism marketing campaign which invites visitors to the region to fasten their seatbelts, hold onto their hats and join the wild ride under the theme of QLD’s Horsepower Country.
Council’s Chief Executive Officer Dave Burges said the annual jam-packed schedule of adrenaline-charged events that light up the Southern Downs calendar between July and October draws thousands of visitors to the Southern Downs each year, particularly to Warwick and Leyburn.
“Warwick is known as the Horsepower Capital of Australia and in the period April 2022 to April 2023, the Southern Downs recorded 553,254 intra and interstate visitors who, amongst supporting other events on the annual calendar, also attend the world-class equestrian competitions and national motor sport events on offer,” Mr Burges said.
“It is easy to see how the horsepower drawcard increases visitor engagement and encourages overnight stays which in turn stimulates economic activity across the broader region.
“The spring 2023 campaign under the banner of QLD’ Horsepower Country is the fourth seasonal tourism marketing activation produced under Council’s tourism brand, Southern Downs & Granite Belt.
“Previous activations included QLD’s Wild Country for the excellent outdoors experiences in the summer months, QLD’s Wine Country highlighting award-winning cellar doors in Granite Belt Wine Country during autumn, and QLD’s Cold Country for the obvious reason that temperatures drop enough for it to snow up here.
“Each campaign has delivered content to the newsfeeds of travellers who are interested in exploring our region and invited them to head to the Southern Downs & Granite Belt website to download seasonal digital look books filled with inspirational travel ideas so they can find their next adventure in our amazing region.
“We invite you to come and experience the thrill of horsepower when you spend a day trackside at Morgan Park Raceway, immerse yourself in the Historic Leyburn Sprints, pick a winner at the races in QLD’s Wine Country, be mesmerised by the bravery and tradition of a rodeo, ride a horse or a motorbike through QLD’s Wild Country, and get your wheels dirty on a drive through Sundown National Park’s rugged wilderness.”
Council’s tourism marketing strategy feeds into the activities of the region’s major events and other major tourism bodies who promote the Southern Downs, including Tourism Australia, Tourism & Events Queensland, Southern Queensland Country Tourism and Granite Belt Wine Tourism.
Visitors to the region and locals exploring their own backyard are invited to tag their social media photos, reels and stories with the hashtag #SeeSouthernDowns to provide inspiration for people who may want to follow in their footsteps.
With an unrivalled array of high-octane events and exciting activities, the Southern Downs has a speed to suit every appetite for adventure, and everything you need to know can be found in the free QLD’s Horsepower Country look book which is available now at https://southerndownsandgranitebelt.com.au/qlds-horsepower-country/. So download your copy today and #SeeSouthernDowns!
Last edited date 06 Nov 2023