** MEDIA RELEASE **
Bundaberg locals are being encouraged to round up their mates, show off their backyard and unlock exclusive local offers as Bundaberg Tourism launches its 2026 Local Ambassador Initiative through the Bring a Mate, Get the Goods campaign.
Building on the success of last year’s campaign, the Local Ambassador Initiative returns with a renewed focus, bringing together exclusive local offers, as we get ready to welcome visitors over the school holidays and across the Taste Bundaberg Festival program.
Locals are being encouraged to step into their role as the region’s best ambassadors, whether they’re hosting visiting friends and family or simply rediscovering the Bundaberg Region themselves.
“We know locals are our region’s biggest advocates and often the reason people choose to visit,” said Bundaberg Tourism Industry Development Manager, Loni Hammond.
“Bring a Mate, Get the Goods is all about giving locals a reason to get out and experience everything that’s happening across the region while supporting the businesses that make Bundaberg such a great place to live and visit.”
The campaign celebrates the important role locals play in driving visitation through the Visiting Friends and Relatives (VFR) market, while encouraging residents to experience the region through fresh eyes.
“When locals invite friends and family to visit, recommend their favourite places, or spend a day exploring together, it creates real benefits for our local businesses and visitor economy,” Ms Hammond said.
“Spring is one of the most vibrant times of year in the Bundaberg Region, and this campaign launch is a reminder that there is always something new to discover, even in your own backyard.”
The initiative also aims to encourage visitation from travellers within a two-hour drive radius, supporting tourism operators, attractions, events and hospitality businesses throughout the region.
How it works
Locals can access participating offers, bonus inclusions and experiences by visiting www.bundabergregion.org/plan-your-trip/visitor-services-information/bring-a-mate-get-the-goods/ or searching “Bring a Mate” at www.bundabergregion.org
The website features participating businesses, available offers and details on how locals can unlock exclusive deals by showing proof of a local address.
When it comes to showing off Bundy, nobody does it better than a local.
Encourage a mate to visit
Bundaberg Tourism has developed shareable social media assets to make it easy for locals and community groups to encourage friends and family to visit the region.
https://www.bundabergregion.org/corporate-hub/development/welcomes-you-program/local-ambassador-program
Welcoming Visitors Ahead of the School Holidays
With the school holidays approaching, Bundaberg Tourism is encouraging businesses and community members across the region to refresh their destination knowledge through the Bundaberg Region Welcomes You Program. From visitor-facing businesses to everyday local services, the program helps the broader community confidently share local information, recommendations and a warm welcome with visitors.
https://www.bundabergregion.org/corporate-hub/development/welcomes-you-program/
About Bundaberg Tourism
Bundaberg Tourism is the official Regional Tourism Organisation for the Bundaberg Region, working with industry, government and community partners to grow a sustainable visitor economy and promote the region as a leading destination on the Southern Great Barrier Reef. Through destination marketing, visitor services, industry development and trade engagement, Bundaberg Tourism supports local tourism operators and helps connect visitors with the people, places and experiences that make the region unique.
About Bundaberg Region Welcomes You Program
The Bundaberg Region Welcomes You Program is a destination knowledge and local ambassador initiative designed to help residents, businesses and visitor-facing staff confidently share the best of the Bundaberg Region. The program encourages locals to explore their own backyard, recommend experiences to visiting friends and relatives, and strengthen the region’s reputation for friendly, informed and memorable visitor experiences.
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