Industry - Newsletter

SPECIAL INVITATION FROM TOURISM TASMANIA

GO GLOBAL!
Tasmania's International Symposium will put the world at your feet
International travellers are a fast-growing and lucrative market. By 2012 they are likely to make up 20 per cent of Tasmania’s visitors, staying longer and spending more than most other holidaymakers.

In recognition of the increasing potential of international visitors to contribute to a more profitable tourism industry, Tourism Tasmania is hosting an International Symposium.

Tasmania's International Symposium will bring together some of the most experienced figures in Australia’s international travel industry. It will give existing international tourism operators opportunities to network and plan, and it will provide training and guidance to operators new to the international market.

This event also responds to Team Tasmania’s desire for further training. Team Tasmania consists of Tasmanian tourism businesses currently operating in the international market who work with Tourism Tasmania to promote our destination and their own products at the annual Australian Tourism Exchange (ATE) and through Australian Tourism Export Council familiarisations and workshops. Last year 27 Tasmanian operators attended ATE, providing exceptional support to Tourism Tasmania and Tourism Australia’s efforts. You can read reports of ATE 2007 from some of these operators in Tourism Talk’s 22 June Special Edition.

The challenge
International tourism is a rewarding but challenging sector. International travellers expect consistently excellent service, high-quality business resources and easy access to the latest distribution channels.

The key to our industry’s success internationally lies in the quality and delivery of our tourism products and services. Our products must be clearly differentiated, consistent and relevant to our visitors. In order to build on our strengths in the global arena, we must demonstrate a flawless capacity to identify and rapidly respond to changing consumer preferences and advances in relevant technology.

Who should attend the International Symposium?
If you are already catering for international visitors, you will find the International Symposium invaluable.

If you are not yet working in this market, it is important to realise that forward planning is essential in today’s global travel industry. It goes without saying that your product must be attractive to international visitors and your key selling points clearly defined. In addition, however, you will need to have the following business practices firmly established before moving into the international sphere:

  • Your product must be brochured, or part of a wholesale program.
  • You must be able to provide rates up to 18 months in advance.
  • If you are operating a tour, you must be able to guarantee departure dates and times.
  • You must have a reservations/booking system that allows you to respond to trade requests within 24 hours.
  • Your business must be contactable 24 hours a day.
  • You must be prepared to make long-term commitments to brochure programmes with wholesalers.

Guest speakers
An exciting range of speakers will share their market knowledge, news of trade developments, and insights into emerging markets. The following experts in the field of international tourism have confirmed their attendance, and others are checking their diaries as we write:

  • Nick Baker, Executive General Manager, Marketing, Tourism Australia
  • Gary O’Riordon, Deputy Managing Director, ATEC
  • Graziella Caruso, Product and Business Development Manger, Goway Travel (Inbound Tour Operator – Western Hemisphere)
  • Francis Wong, Managing Director, Encounter Australia (Inbound Tour Operator – Eastern Hemisphere)
  • David James, Director, Tangalooma Wild Dolphin Resort.

Details of Tourism Tasmania’s international strategies and opportunities will be presented by CEO Felicia Mariani and Director of Marketing and Commercial Operations Jan Ross, together with our international managers and public relations companies. There will also be plenty of opportunity for networking with operators already working in the international market.

Where and when?
The Old Woolstore, Hobart
27-28 November 2007

How much does it cost?
Registration fees represent only a small proportion of the cost of staging this event. The remaining costs have been met by Tourism Tasmania in recognition of the Symposium’s importance to Tasmania’s success in the challenging and rewarding world of international tourism.

The cost to delegates is $200 for the two-day Symposium, an industry networking dinner and accommodation, or $120 without accommodation.

How do I register?
Registrations close on 2 November unless all places are filled before this date. For plenary information, speaker profiles and to register online, please visit the Tasmanian International Symposium web site.


If you have any questions about Tourism Talk please email indnews@tourism.tas.gov.au