A group of representatives from Singapore were in the region last week, enjoying the best of Margaret River wine and food thanks to the ‘First Class in a Glass’ promotion.
The sommeliers won the chance to travel to the South West after helping to raise awareness of the Margaret River wine industry after participating in the ‘First Class in a Glass’ social media competition.
It encouraged residents of Singapore to attend events and visit participating venues and then share a selfie or clip on social media of themselves enjoying Margaret River region wine, using the hashtag #margaretriverfirstclass for the chance to win prizes.
An overall campaign launch plus satellite events organised by Margaret River region businesses were held during the campaign, which aimed to increase trade and attract more residents of Singapore to Margaret River and the wider South West through the increasingly popular wine region brand.
South West Development Commission TradeStart manager Mat Lewis said the guests were enjoying a “best of the best” tour of the region, and would return home even better equipped to spruik the benefits of visiting.
“As we prepare to run the campaign on an even larger scale in 2018, this week’s visit is a fantastic opportunity to continue growing awareness of the Margaret River region as an exporter of premium wines and an outstanding holiday destination in the Singapore market,” Mr Lewis said.
The visitors enjoyed hands-on experiences at attractions and food and wine producers as well as taking part in a number of Cabin Fever events.
Both the First Class in a Glass campaign and Cabin Fever Festival have stemmed from a joint strategy between the South West Development Commission and Margaret River Busselton Tourism Association, and Mr Lewis said the initial feedback from the industry delegates, including a media representative from Singapore, was “overwhelmingly positive”.
“They’ve had a great time, having Cabin Fever happening has been fantastic, because there have been heaps of chances to show them just what this region is all about.”