Shaping Caloundra's Future Through Digital Innovation

| by Rachel Smith, General Manager of Caloundra Chamber of Commerce |
Sub Regional Visitor Attracting Program Funding Results. One of the greatest responsibilities of the Caloundra Chamber of Commerce is not simply to respond to change, but to help shape the future of our region. As General Manager, I firmly believe our role is to bring together business, industry and community to lead initiatives that strengthen our local economy and position Caloundra for long-term success. The launch of TasteCaloundra.com.au is a perfect example of what can be achieved when the right idea is supported at the right time. Made possible through the Sub Regional Funding through Visit Sunshine Coast, Taste Caloundra was designed to showcase the incredible cafés, restaurants, bars and dining experiences that make our region so special. More than a website, it is a digital destination that inspires people to visit, stay longer, explore more and support local businesses. It’s also an app that will shift into phase 2 within the month so that we can all have it handy and available at the tap of a button. The response has exceeded our expectations. In just 12 weeks, Taste Caloundra has delivered outstanding results:
These results demonstrate the power of strategic digital marketing and confirm that Caloundra has a compelling story to tell. When we invest in promoting our destination collectively, the benefits extend well beyond individual businesses—they strengthen our entire visitor economy. Perhaps the greatest success of Taste Caloundra is that it has created a platform we can continue to build upon. We are already expanding the initiative with StayCaloundra.com.au, helping visitors discover not only where to eat, but where to stay, explore and experience everything our region has to offer. This is exactly the type of leadership I believe our Chamber should be providing—bringing together business, tourism and community to create opportunities that benefit everyone. Thank you to every hospitality business, Chamber member and project partner who has embraced this initiative. If you know of a restaurant, café, brewery or bar please help us to spread the message that joining the Caloundra Chamber of Commerce as a member for year gets them a FREE GOLD Listing on TasteCaloundra.com.au. Together, we’re not just promoting Caloundra – we’re helping shape its future! |

