Partnership Prospectus 2025-26 FAQ

Here you'll find answers to common questions about the refreshed Destination Port Stephens Partnership Program.

If you can’t find what you’re looking for, feel free to get in touch with us. For Partnership Program Enquiries, contact Mel Turner at mel@portstephenstourism.com.au

• Who can become a partner of DPS?

  Any business that benefits from a thriving visitor economy; tourism operators, retailers, cafes, service providers, real estate agents, and more. If your business is based in Port Stephens or serves its visitors, we want to support you!

• What is the Port Stephens Magazine?

  Formerly known as the Visitor Guide, the refreshed Port Stephens Magazine is our annual, editorial-style publication designed to inspire and inform visitors with stunning photography, local stories, and insider tips that showcase the best of the region.

  With 75,000 copies distributed annually across accommodation venues, visitor hubs, cafes, and key tourism locations. As well as digital reach via our website and online channels, it’s a powerful platform to connect with high-intent travellers.

  Advertising in the magazine is a great way to boost your visibility. It is included in select partnership tiers or available as a flexible add-on.

  Port Stephens Magazine Price & Size Guide

• What is a 'digital growth' session?

  A Digital Growth Session is an exclusive, 60-minute one-on-one strategy session designed to elevate your digital assets. You'll walk away with clear, actionable insights to strengthen your marketing approach, helping you attract more of the right customers and drive real results through bold, human-led, data-backed strategies.

  Available for Destination Leaders (Tier One) & Experience Partners (Tier Two).

• I have multiple businesses within my core product. How does this look as a partnership?

  We’ve built the program to be inclusive and accessible, with flexible options to support businesses of all sizes. You’ll select a partnership tier for your primary business, and any additional businesses under the same ownership can be added with a separate tier buy-in.

  To recognise operators juggling multiple roles, we offer 10% off each additional partnership package, just use the code multiplebusiness10 when signing up.

• What is the main difference between Tier One and Corporate Partnership?

  Corporate Partnerships are more industry-facing, offering opportunities to profile your business within the tourism sector and connect with key stakeholders. It’s ideal for organisations that support or service the visitor economy from behind the scenes.

  Tier One is more consumer-facing, with added benefits tailored to tourism operators looking to attract visitors directly, like enhanced exposure in visitor campaigns, listings, and marketing tools. It’s designed for businesses that are front and centre in the visitor experience.

• Is the payment plan invoiced automatically? How long is the payment plan?

  Yes. Payment plans are available for Corporate, Tier One, Tier Two, and now Tier Three partnerships. They run for six months, with invoices issued automatically on the first of each month — starting 1 July 2025. Payments are evenly spread across the period.

• Can Tier Three partners access a payment plan?

  Yes. We’ve recently extended payment plans to include Tier Three partnerships, making the program more accessible for businesses of all sizes.

  Payments are spread evenly over six months, with invoices issued automatically on the first of each month, starting 1 July 2025.

• Is the 10% off multiple businesses relevant with the early bird discount?

  Yes. If you pay your partnership before 30 June 2025, you’ll receive an additional 5% early bird discount on top of the 10% multi-business offer. 15% off in total for additional partnerships under the same ownership.

  Simply use the code multiplebusinessandearlybird15 when signing up to access the combined discount.

• My primary business is the Wedding market, how will the Partnership Program benefit my business?

  You’ll gain targeted exposure through a dedicated Weddings in Port Stephens page on our website and feature placement in the Port Stephens Magazine.

  Plus, an industry-led wedding committee will be launched in late 2025 to guide and grow this market. As a partner, you’ll have the opportunity to contribute to and benefit from collaborative initiatives aimed at making Port Stephens a premier wedding destination.

• Can I join the Partnership Program at any time?

  Yes – you’re welcome to join the Destination Port Stephens Partnership Program at any time throughout the year.

• If I join mid-year, is the cost reduced?

  Pro-rata pricing is available for Tier 1, 2, and 3 Partners when joining partway through the financial year.

  
  For Tier 4 Partners, a flat annual fee applies regardless of when you join.

  
  If you come on board from March 1 onwards, your pro-rata fee will be added to the following year’s Partnership, so you're covered right through the next renewal cycle.

  
  Please note: If you join after 1 August, you’ll miss the opportunity to advertise in the Port Stephens Magazine, our flagship visitor guide with a print run of 75,000 copies. You may also miss out on some key benefits that are delivered across the full 12-month program.