Tourism is booming in the Northern Territory, and there’s every indication that we’ll see more and more visitors in the years ahead.
Our slice of paradise welcomed between 1.66 million and 2.4 million visitors in 2022, with the NT Government reporting that visitor expenditure reached a record $3.1 billion.
In recent years (with the exception of 2020 to early 2022), Darwin’s tourism industry has witnessed steady growth, driven by a desire for authentic experiences and a deeper connection with the region’s heritage. While we’re still not back to pre-pandemic levels, 2022’s results show the potential of top-end tourism.
Clearly, there’s a lot of economic opportunity in the sector. That includes millions in Government initiatives to boost tourism in the region:
- $12.8 million for targeted tourism, business events and international education marketing
- $1.9 million for Aboriginal tourism industry development
- $3 million international marketing boost
- $500,000 for visitor services across the Territory
- $100,000 funding grants to upgrade visitor experiences in Alice Springs
However, there’s also a lot of competition.
Small business owners who want to cut through the noise and capture tourists’ attention are turning to a tried-and-tested promotional method: pull-up banner printing.
It might seem like we’re living in the age of digital advertising, but physical signage like a well-designed pull-up banner remains an effective way to get in front of customers and draw in foot traffic.
Tourism businesses need effective advertising
Advertising plays a pivotal role in attracting tourists and shaping their perception of a destination.
The reason visual marketing like pull-up banner printing has emerged as a powerful tool for capturing attention likely has a lot to do with Darwin’s tourism DNA.
Remoteness, and the vast distances between cities, mean most visitors arrive and move by airplane and transit through airports. Almost 100,000 visitors will also come by cruise ship in the 18 months from June 2023 to December 2024.
Those who drive will likely swing by visitor centres in regional towns after strolling down Darwin’s streets.
All this foot-powered travel means pull-up banners (and other in-person advertising) have significant potential in the region, unlike in other cities where commuters take trains and trams.
Five reasons pull-up banners are an effective tourism marketing tool
1. Visual impact
Standing tall and proud, with bright colours and messaging that can’t be missed, a well-designed pull-up banner is impossible to ignore.
2. Portability
Pull-up banners are lightweight and compact, making them easy to transport and set up in various locations, including event venues, tourist attractions, hotels and outside your store.
3. Versatility
We apply durable UV coating when we print pull-up banners, making them ideal for indoor and outdoor use. You can strategically place to target specific tourist hotspots and get maximum exposure for your message.
4. Cost-effectiveness
Pull-up banner printing is cost-effective compared to traditional advertising. They provide substantial exposure for a relatively low investment, which is crucial for local businesses looking to make a big impact without breaking the bank.
5. Durability
We design pull-up banners that withstand the elements, making them suitable for Darwin’s tropical climate. They can withstand harsh sunlight, rain, and wind without fading or deteriorating.
How to nail your pull-up banner design for tourist attractions
Creating stand-out pull-up banner designs requires a blend of creativity and strategy. As the largest and most experienced printing and signage partner in the Northern Territory, Colemans Printing and Signage has the recipe for crafting visually compelling banners that leave a lasting impression.
An eye-catching design that grabs attention
Pull-up banners in tourism settings should use vibrant colours that evoke the spirit of the region, with high-quality graphics such as stunning images of landmarks and wildlife.
Tell a compelling story
Remember that you only have a few seconds to convey a clear and concise message that resonates with the essence of Darwin. Use compelling taglines and calls to action that get right to the point.
Make it relevant
Understanding why your visitors travel to the Top End is crucial in designing pull-up banners that resonate with their expectations.
Keep it local
Consider collaborating with local artists or photographers to infuse authenticity into your pull-up banner design. Involving local creatives not only supports talented people in the community but also contributes to the genuine representation of Darwin’s cultural richness.
Strategic placement is a game-changer
Positioning pull-up banners strategically where you know they’re going to be seen ensures maximum exposure for a relatively small investment. The great thing about pull-up banners printed by Colemans is they are suitable for indoor and outdoor use, with sturdy bases and fade-resistant UV coatings.
Identify high-traffic areas, such as tourism hotspots, public spaces, shopping centres and events where your target audience is likely to be. Make sure to consider their journey in the process. For example, they might not be browsing for what you sell at the time: a vibrant, punchy and concise pull-up banner design will help to grab their attention.
However, be aware of legal considerations and obtain the necessary permissions before placing banners in public areas. Adhering to local regulations ensures a seamless advertising campaign without any hiccups.
Integrating pull-up banners with other marketing strategies
There’s no marketing vehicle we know of that works in isolation. Most consumers need to see a brand’s promotional messaging several times before making a purchase decision.
This means your pull-up banner design must be consistent with other promotions, giveaways and advertising.
However, consistency is just the first step. We recommend leaning into integrated marketing by using your pull-up banner to support traditional and digital marketing experiences.
This might look like:
- Incorporating a QR code into the design
- Adding social media information
- Including your website or booking link
- Offering a discount code to convert online purchases
- Partnering with other businesses to cross-promote
- Designing a series of pull-up banners to take passing customers on a journey
- Printing flyers or brochures with additional information
Thanks to innovations in pull-up banner printing, our team can also add cutting-edge Augmented Reality (AR) elements into the design to give tourists a truly immersive experience.
Ready to ride the tourism wave with a professionally designed pull-up banner?
Pull-up banners have emerged as powerful tools for promoting the NT to visitors, effectively capturing attention and conveying the Territory’s essence at a time when the tourism industry is booming.
We want to help local businesses make the most of every advertising opportunity. As the Territory’s largest and most experienced printing and signage partner, Colemans Printing delivers innovations in sustainability and quality that help your business stand out.
All our pull-up banners are printed locally using eco-friendly methods and materials, for maximum effectiveness with minimum environmental impact. Plus, as a full-service printing and signage supplier, we can handle all your promotional requirements under one roof.
Our talented graphic designers can even help you create a pull-up banner design that brings your brand to life.
Get in touch to discuss your requirements with a signage specialist or request a quote through our online portal.
