Geelong’s foreign students are the target of a “state-first” online campaign aimed at encouraging overseas friends and family to visit them during their studies.
The $50,000 State Government funded project #MyGeelongTourGuide launched this week in partnership with Study Geelong.
Geelong is now home to almost 4000 tertiary and secondary international students rising by 20 per cent in 2016 to 17, according to State Government.
Study Geelong’s project officer Simone Budd said international education was an important part of Geelong’s visitor economy.
“Visitor numbers have been consistently up and are certainly related to international students studying here,” she said.
“An international student draws on average around two visitors a year with the length of stay being around 16 nights.”
Visiting friends and relatives of students studying in the region have a direct expenditure of more than $7 million into the economy, according to Study Geelong.
The campaign includes region-specific content including itineraries, tips, videos and special offers for international students to promote Geelong to visitors.
Ms Budd said the campaign was developed from surveys and interviews with international students.
“We want to make sure the students are equipped with the knowledge of their area to empower them to be a great tour guide and host to visitors,” she said.
Ms Budd said the project would also help increase wellbeing among international students.
“It doesn’t matter how much you’re enjoying yourself, there’s likely to be a little bit of homesickness at some point, so encouraging friends and family to visit can be a big boost to their mental health,” she said.
For more information visit mygeelongtourguide.com.au.
