Caloundra, on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast, will continue to add some bite to its tourism marketing campaigns interstate with a renewed strategic alliance with the LeasePlan Western Bulldogs for season 2008.

The partnership package was announced on Friday by Western Bulldogs Chief Executive Campbell Rose and Caloundra Tourism president Mike Wilkinson.

Wilkinson said next year marked the sixth year of the strategic alliance that provides opportunities to market Caloundra’s tourism appeal to a Melbourne audience. “The message is clear - the Doggies love Caloundra for an interstate break and you will too,” he said.

The deal includes a range of marketing initiatives that leverage access to Western Bulldogs publications, website, and co-operative advertising opportunities.

“Victoria is a very important market for the tourism industry on the Sunshine Coast, particularly mid-year when the warmth of our climate is an antidote to a cold, bleak Melbourne winter. We need more visitors coming here in winter when the tourism industry is in low season and it’s a perfect time to target Melbournians with our messages,” Mr Wilkinson said.

“Our links with the Western Bulldogs have generated extensive awareness and familiarity about the destination, and in the past has included a trade delegation, football camp and opportunities for promotions at Telstra Dome to name a few.”

Wilkinson said Victorians now had direct flight access from Melbourne to the Sunshine Coast with Jetstar, Virgin Blue and now the new Tiger Airways.

“Victorians have never had a better opportunity to enjoy a short break, holiday or just the chance to soak up some sun on the Sunshine Coast, and with the help of the Western Bulldogs, we will remind them of this at every opportunity,” Wilkinson said.

Rose said the Western Bulldogs were pleased to continue their links with Caloundra because the destination was a perfect fit with the club and its supporter base.

“Earlier this year, Jason Akermanis returned north to launch the Caloundra Holiday Guide.  Since arriving in 2007 to play with the Bulldogs, Jason has been able to keep up the talk about Caloundra as he knows the area well having spent many a holiday here while growing up in Brisbane,” Rose said.

“More recently we have drafted former Caloundra Panther’s player Sam Reid into our squad. Sam’s going to be another strong connection between Caloundra and the Western Bulldogs.

We couldn’t have a better ambassador for Caloundra and the Sunshine Coast than Sam,” Rose said.