AS FAMILIES and friends gather for Easter, Destination Southern Highlands has launched an appropriate promotion.
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About 20 people gathered at Centennial Vineyard Restaurant for the introduction of "Back to the Highlands for Reunion Time".
The event runs from June 2-9 and Highlanders are invited to organise a family, friends, school or sporting group get together.
Destination Southern Highlands will work with local businesses to reward participants.
Former mayor Gordon Lewis and ex-councillors Peter Reynolds, Phillip Yeo, Heather Carter, David Wood and Garry Barnsley were special guests at the launch.
Council's acting group manager tourism, economic development and events, Izabella Lane said it was a "quirky thing" to get the ex-councillors involved.
She said Reunion Time would be the next installment in the My Southern Highlands program.
Ms Lane revealed 47 per cent of the region's visitors were friends and relatives of residents.
Reunion Time aims to tap into this market, raise the profile and value of tourism, provide an opportunity to personalise the Highlands and promote a "buy local" culture.
All registered participants receive a free reunion welcome pack, which includes a passport of exclusive coupons, a bumper sticker, welcome letter, map and a gift.
The competition is now open and finishes on Friday, May 30.
The winner will be drawn on June 2, with the prize to be a feast for 10 people at the Centennial Vineyards Restaurant.
Mayor Juliet Arkwright said the new campaign was "a bit like an old school reunion".
"I couldn't think of a better place to catch up than here," she said. "This is the perfect short break region which can be enjoyed 365 days a year. It's a never ending story ."
Attendees watched a sneak preview of Reunion Time TV advertisement. The promotion will be screened at the Empire Cinema during the school holidays.
Visit the website, mysouthernhighlands.net.au, for more details or to register a reunion.