April has been a busy month at Tourism Council. 16 new Accreditation registrations were received and 8 businesses completed their accreditation bringing the total number of participating businesses in WA to 720, well on track to reach our goal of 750 by the end of June 09!  A very successful workshop was held in late March at the Broome Telecentre and was attended by 11 tourism businesses who signed up and commenced working through the online program with Accreditation staff on hand to assist them through the process. Similar workshops are planned for Kalgoorlie, Esperance and Margaret River in May.

The full Board of TCWA met with the Minister for Tourism, the Hon. Liz Constable, during the month and many tourism related issues were discussed.  The Minister demonstrated her commitment to supporting the tourism industry in WA and during her first 6 months in office has certainly been out and about travelling extensively in WA, meeting and consulting with a wide range of tourism operators.  Over the next 6 months TCWA will be seeking commitments from the Minister and the Government on a range of issues contained in the TCWA Policy Agenda.

We are please to welcome Nutwork Web Design as a new preferred business partner.  Nutwork have also been engaged to develop our new website presence which we are looking forward to launching in the coming months.

As the preferred Web Design & Online Media supplier for TCWA Members, Nutwork Web Design have come up with a special package for business looking to get their websites into shape or set up a brand new one. Nutwork are offering over $1,500 worth of Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) services and a complete website package for TCWA members. Members will also receive 20% discount on all marketing services so there’s never been a better time to get your website updated and attract some new clients.  Follow the link to see specials and packages only available to TCWA Members!

Tourism Council WA would like to welcome a number of new members for March and April. 

Gold -   Auzorp

Silver - Humfrey Land Developments 

Industry - Small Bar Association Inc

Bronze - Par Excellence

              Linney’s of Broome

Accreditation Marketing is in full swing with advertising urging the travelling public to choose accredited operators when holidaying in WA and Australia.  Keep your eye out for ads in the following publications:

Winter Getaways Magazine - West Australian on Saturday 9th May

Winter Escapes Magazine - Sunday Times on Sunday 17th May

RAC Horizons Magazine - June/July edition

                              WA Accommodation & Tours Listing - 2010 edition

We would also like to congratulate the following the newly Accredited businesses for March/April:

Bali Hai Resort
Duxton Hotel
Best Western Augusta Georgiana Molloy Motel
Voyages El Questro
Waikiki Beach B&B
Esplanade River Suites
Pinjarra Bakery and Patisserie
Ramon's at Willow Pond
Albany Bayside Ocean Villas

The Commonwealth Bank has recently become a Category Sponsor of the WA Tourism Awards and we welcome them on board for this prestigious event.

They are also hosting a free Small Business Forum breakfast on Tuesday 5th May at 7am at the Sheraton Hotel, Perth.  TCWA is delighted to extend this invitation to our members and trust that you will take this opportunity to attend the Forum and gain the benefits it will provide.

Tourism Council WA is partnering with the Hospitality & Tourism Industry Council, Tourism WA, Australian Hotels Association and Restaurant & Caterers Association; to present the "Hospitality & Tourism Village" at this year's Careers, Education and Employment Expo at the Perth Convention Exhibition Centre from the 15th - 17th May.

The Village will provide an opportunity for your organisation to promote tourism careers in an exciting and interactive environment that will include eye-catching displays.  Please click on the link for more information.

Applications are being called for TQUAL Grants, the Australian Government's tourism program.  The Australian Government has redesigned the program formerly known as the Australian Tourism Development Program to better position the Australian tourism industry in a highly competitive market.

Grants ranging from $5,000 to $500,000 are available in three categories to tourism businesses, tourism organisations, non-profit organisations and local government agencies. Applications close 11 June 2009.

TQUAL Grants is a competitive merit-based funding program aimed at stimulating sustainable growth in the Australian tourism industry. It will do this by supporting innovative, high-quality tourism products that contribute to the long-term economic development of Australia. 

There are 3 categories of grants as follows:

Category 1: Innovative tourism projects
Category 2: Integrated tourism development projects
Category 3: National or sectoral tourism initiatives

Further information and documentation is available at www.ret.gov.au/tourism or at www.ausindustry.gov.au/tourism.

TCWA will host two free seminars offering advice on how to enter the Awards as well as answering any questions you may have.  These seminars have been developed to provide prospective entrants with all the information necessary to put together a successful submission.

These seminars are especially recommended for first time entrants.

Dates: 14th May and 5th June 2009
Time: 9 - 10.30am
Cost: Free
Venue: Studio 1, Burswod Entertainment Complex
RSVP to jwood@tourismcouncilwa.com.au
 

Parliament House Function - Tuesday 5th May at 6pm.  RSVP's essential.

Margaret River Industry Forum - Wednesday 20th May Venue TBC

Margaret River Accreditation Workshop - Thursday 21st May

Kalgoorlie Accreditation Workshop - Wednesday 27th May

Esperance Accreditation Workshop - Thursday 28th May