Media Releases
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8 November 2007 - ARTN Expands Reach
8 November 2007 - Delegates give the 2007 Regional Tourism Convention a BIG thumbs up!
10 October 2007 - Regional Australia asked for it - now it's here!
ARTN Expands Reach
Media Release - 8 November 2007
ARTN Chair Wayne Kayler-Thomson recently announced plans to formally incorporate the Australian Regional Tourism Network (ARTN) as it moves towards a new phase of its evolution.
Incorporating the ARTN will enable the Network to pursue a sustainable future, in order to realise the potential of the ARTN as the key forum and voice of regional tourism in Australia.
This decision, announced at the ARTN's premier event, the annual Australian Regional Tourism Convention held last week in Canberra, was accompanied by an announcement to reduce already low subscriber fees. This will remove barriers to entry, ensuring the inclusion of all parties with an interest in local and regional tourism organisations and regional tourism as Network subscribers.
"By reducing fees we are ensuring operators at all levels of the industry have access and can be a part of this outstanding Network. We aim to be inclusive, to be representative of regional tourism throughout the country. To achieve this we must make subscription to the ARTN possible for a wide range of businesses and organisations spanning the breadth of the industry to participate" says ARTN Chair, Wayne Kayler-Thomson.
Mr Kayler-Thomson also revealed that future numbers to the Australian Regional Tourism Convention will be capped due to its continued success, and in order to maximise effective networking and exchange among delegates.
South Australia's beautiful Barossa region won the bid for the 2008 event and organisers suggest interested parties register early.
Media enquiries contact: Amanda Shoebridge, Network Manager, Australian Regional Tourism Network. Ph: 02 6620 3785 or E: amanda.shoebridge@scu.edu.au
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Delegates give the 2007 Regional Tourism Convention a BIG thumbs up!
Media Release - 8 November 2007
The Australian Regional Tourism Convention was given rave reviews by delegates who attended the three day Convention in Canberra last week.
Over one hundred delegates from all areas of the tourism industry - from federal government, through to state, regional and local tourism organisations, government and industry organisations and tourism operators - attended the convention to gain insight into issues affecting the industry and to together determine its future direction.
Feedback from delegates shows the Convention is on track as valuable event for those in regional tourism.
- "Relevant, practical & inspiring"
- "Fantastic! Great program, great people, great outcomes!"
- "Wonderful opportunity to learn, network, gain inspiration & ideas, affirmation and information on best practice procedures"
The ARTN forum on Wednesday night highlighted a series of issues impacting regional tourism across the country; the most common being the effects of climate change, labour skills shortages and opportunities for enhanced collaboration within the industry. With a key theme of the Convention being leadership, delegates set forth to brainstorm key means of dealing with these issues throughout the Convention.
Attendees stepped back in time to wartime 1940's for a gala dinner set against the stunning backdrop of the Australian War Memorial and to the tunes of the famous Andrews Sisters. Field trips the following day saw delegates venture along the nature trail to the Snowy Mountains region, on the heritage trail to Braidwood and the Southern Downs and through Australia's capital itself on a leaderships and partnerships tour.
Convention speakers included Mr Wayne Calder, DITR; the incredibly inspiring CEO of Orca Tours, Mr Peter Malcolm; Tourism Australia's Katherine Droga; Bruce Leaver from Parks Australia and Fiona Lurhs - the CEO of Tourism Industry Association NZ among many others.
During the Convention, Wayne Kayler-Thomson, Chair of the Australian Regional Tourism Network, announced the decision of the ARTN's Executive Committee to formally incorporate the Network as it steps into a new phase of its evolution. Mr Kayler-Thomson also announced that future numbers to the Convention will be capped in order to maximise networking potential. Next years' convention is to be held in the beautiful Barossa, and, in light of the success of this years Convention, organisers recommend you book early.
Media enquiries contact: Amanda Shoebridge, Network Manager, Australian Regional Tourism Network. Ph: 02 6620 3785 or E: amanda.shoebridge@scu.edu.au
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Regional Australia asked for it - now it's here!
The Australian Regional Tourism Network
Media Release - 10 October 2007
The ARTN has expanded to provide a working forum and network for all of us with a vested interest in regional tourism.
With a new logo, a new image and a new website the ARTN now seeks to reach every corner of regional Australia. A valuable feature of the new website is an interactive forum where members are encouraged to exchange information and best practice for regional tourism.
The ARTN was established in 2001 after the collapse of the industry's peak body the Tourism Council Australia, and continues to provide industry relevant advice and expertise to regional tourism organisations at all levels.
With close alliances to the Australian Regional Tourism Research Centre, the ARTN can keep its finger on the pulse of all the latest in regional tourism advances, and with an expanded executive committee including representatives from Department of Industry Tourism and Resources (DITR), Tourism Australia (TA) and Tourism Transport Fund (TTF), the ARTN can keep abreast of all recent industry developments.
Network Manager Amanda Shoebridge says, "I've been flooded with interest in the Network which is fabulous - obviously the more members it has the stronger its position becomes in terms of lobbying and bargaining power; and also in terms of the knowledge base members can draw upon for industry advice and expertise. Many of the people I speak to within the industry appreciate the forum feature and the opportunity it provides to discuss issues of regional importance with others facing similar concerns".
To find out more about how the ARTN can help you advance regional tourism in Australia contact Network Manager, Amanda Shoebridge on 0266 203785 or amanda.shoebridge@scu.edu.au or visit our website at www.regionaltourism.com.au/artn
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