The Development of the "Secrets" Image of South Australia

Authors: James, Jane; Von Wald, Denise

Source: Tourism Culture & Communication, Volume 6, Number 3, 2006 , pp. 191-203(13)

Publisher: Cognizant Communication Corporation

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Abstract:

This article investigates the impact of a specific marketing campaign, aimed at raising awareness of both the image and attractions of South Australia, which would position South Australia as a holiday destination in its target markets. Most tourism (80%) in South Australia is from the domestic market, but extensive research showed the key markets of Sydney and Melbourne didn't know what South Australia had to offer—and this was the major factor preventing growth in domestic tourism. Potential holidaymakers had few negative perceptions about the State; rather, they were inhibited by a lack of information. In 1998, the South Australian Tourism Commission developed the "Best Kept Secrets" marketing strategy, which promoted authentic experiences and positioned South Australia as a compelling holiday destination. It involved extensive use of the media—cinema, magazine and print advertising—and the nation's largest direct mail tourism campaign, which created a "sense of place" that derived much of its impact from the use of iconic vision and images of South Australia. The camera was all important in portraying that "secret" image.

Keywords: SECRETS; MARKETING; MEDIA; CINEMA; PHOTOGRAPHY; SOUTH AUSTRALIA

Document Type: Research article

Publication date: 2006-08-01

More about this publication?

Tourism, Culture & Communication is international in its scope and will place no restrictions upon the range of cultural identities covered, other than the need to relate to tourism and hospitality. The Journal seeks to provide interdisciplinary perspectives in areas of interest that may branch away from traditionally recognized national and indigenous cultures, for example, cultural attitudes toward the management of tourists with disabilities, gender aspects of tourism, sport tourism, or age-specific tourism.