About the Convention

The Sustainable Tourism CRC, through the Australian Regional Tourism Research Centre initiated the Australian Regional Tourism Convention in 2001, following the collapse of the Tourism Council of Australia and the subsequent suspension of the Regional Tourism Conference series which had been running since 1995.

The Convention was developed as a forum for Regional Tourism Organisations, State Tourism Organisations, Local Government Tourism Offices, and regional tourism enterprises to exchange ideas about ways to promote regional tourism success. The Convention is based on a small number of themes which are addressed through case studies. The bulk of the Convention involves open panel sessions and workshops, where delegates are encouraged to exchange information about successful experiences in their states and regions, and to develop 'practical solutions' for addressing key issues.

The primary outcome of the Convention is a Regional Tourism Handbook, which features case studies identified throughout the Convention, and summarises the range of approaches and issues raised during the Convention. The Handbook, provides a series of guides for operators and managers who face similar challenges in driving regional tourism growth. Back issues of the handbooks are available from the Australian Regional Tourism Research Centre.

Convention value

The strength of the Australian Regional Tourism Convention is the participation of the delegates in identifying 'good practice' case studies and exchanging ideas and information. Unlike a conference, the Convention is designed to maximise delegate participation, and to promote successful regions and enterprises as models for sectors of the industry facing challenges. While the Convention has had high profile speakers (including: Minister Jackie Kelly; Sir Frank Moore; Anne Massey [Starwood Hotels]; and Graham Perry [See Australia] in 2001), the focus is on identifying practical opportunities for the regional industry. This is often best achieved through discussions with 'ordinary' operators and managers.

The value of the Convention is that it brings together operators and managers from across the country. These industry participants often face similar challenges, and have valuable lessons to share in terms of strategies which have helped them succeed, as well as strategies which may best be avoided. In past conventions delegates unanimously felt that they had each received at least one suggestion or idea which they could take back to their region and implement.

The Convention also enables the regional industry to raise new issues and to develop procedures for addressing these issues. Throughout the Convention, the regional industry has the ear of State and Federal public sector stakeholders, tourism investors, and colleagues who can provide advice and assistance in meeting challenges and grasping opportunities.

The host region has an opportunity to use the Australian Regional Tourism Convention as a showcase of its capacity to host a nationally significant event. The host region is on show to State and national media as a working example of the strength of the regional tourism industry, and the service and amenities the industry can provide. The Convention enables the host region to speak directly to the industry about what it has to offer. As a significant event, the Convention also has economic spin offs for the region through attracting delegates, speakers, and their partners and families.

The host State has the opportunity to use the Australian Regional Tourism Convention to highlight its commitment to the regional industry, and to share its vision for regional tourism with colleagues from within the State and across Australia. The Convention provides a valuable vehicle for State Tourism Organisations to facilitate the growth of regional tourism in their State through its participatory and 'practical solutions' focus.