Destination Coromandel launches lottery in bid to encourage visitors back

With the Kopu – Hikuai SH25A closed for the foreseeable future, Destination Coromandel has launched a world-first driving lottery to encourage Kiwis to take the coastal route of State Highway 25 and visit the tourism-reliant region more regularly.
“Following a rough start to the year with visitor numbers down significantly – as with many regions – we wanted to do something that reminded Kiwis that the Coromandel region is open and we’re ready to host them,” says Thames-Coromandel mayor Len Salt.
“The Coromandel is still a fabulous destination to visit and we want to be back on the itinerary.”
This coming Anzac long weekend – from Friday, April 21 until Tuesday April 25 – any vehicle that drives SH25 Coromandel Loop will be in the draw to win a range of epic prizes including three nights at Hahei Beach Resort in a beach front bach, boat trips, snorkel tours and even dozens of Coromandel oysters.
The Lucky Loop game uses cameras which are set up in secret locations on SH25 from Thames to Waihi, and vehicles photographed at computer-generated random times will receive the corresponding prize.
Details on the winners will be posted to the Lucky Loop website after the weekend.
Destination Hauraki Coromandel general manager Hadley Dryden says this campaign is the first of its kind in Coromandel and believes it’s a world-first.
“Travellers will notice some more signs this long weekend, but instead of bad news, these signs will prompt people to visit the website to see if they’ve won.”
“There’s still a perception that the Coromandel isn’t open and uncertainty about access, so we wanted to encourage visitation by doing something really fun.
“Not only can travellers win prizes, but they’ll also help out all the local businesses who have been affected by adverse weather this year.”
He says despite the coastal loop taking a tad longer than driving over the hill, travellers will also be rewarded with fantastic views and a diverse range of homegrown local experiences.
“As locals know, it’s worth taking your time and stopping off along the way.”
Mike Grogan, director of Cathedral Cove Kayak Tours, who has put up a tour as one of the prizes says he is stoked to be a part of this campaign.
“Anything we can do to get Kiwis coming back to see us more regularly is a good thing. And it’s cool to see it in done in a fun and innovative, typically Coromandel way.”
Visit www.luckyloop.co.nz for more information.