Latest News

 

 

Industry Update from the Chair of the ARTN

2009 A Tough Year for Tourism

Need to Know – The National Long Term Tourism Strategy

TQUAL Grants a Big Win for Regional Australia

2010 Australian Regional Tourism Convention Update

Who’s Who at the ARTN

Regional Tourism Career Opportunities

Upcoming Regional Tourism Industry Events

 

 

Industry Update from the Chair of the ARTN

 

2010 is now well and truly underway and is set to be a very significant year for the Australian tourism industry.  Over the coming 12 months, the implementation of the Long Term Tourism Strategy will commence, a federal election will be held, campaigns will enter both international and domestic markets and more than $33 billion dollars will be spent by visitors in regional Australia.  It’s going to be a big year!

The summer holiday period is typically peak season for the industry and many regions are currently mid-rush and enjoying the spoils of hard work spent promoting and developing their destinations.  However, the ARTN acknowledges that for many, times are tough. Our colleagues in Western Australia are being challenged by bushfire and cyclones, many regions of New South Wales have been inundated by flood and the reverberations of the Global Financial Crisis are still being felt by operators, local governments and regional tourism organisations across the country.  As ever, the resilience of Australians to triumph over adversity and support one another will come to the fore and these challenges will soon be transformed into opportunity for our industry to learn and grow.

The future is bright though and there have been anecdotal remarks by industry representatives that domestic tourism seems to be strengthening which is very heartening when international markets remain challenged.  The ground swell of support for Tourism Australia’s ‘No Leave, No Life’ campaign is growing and family holidays to regional Australia are now very much back in vogue.  With more than 130 million accumulated leave days for Australian workers still outstanding, there is great opportunity for our regions to capitalise on this sentiment.

For the ARTN, 2010 represents a year of action to deliver greater benefits than ever before to our members and the industry as a whole.  Our website will be refurbished to become an indispensible tool for tourism practitioners everywhere, our voice to industry stakeholders will be louder and stronger than ever before to ensure regional Australia remains top of mind and our networking opportunities will be more focused and outcome driven than ever before.

A highlight of the year will be the 2010 Australian Regional Tourism Convention which will be held in Victoria’s gorgeous Yarra Valley & the Dandenongs region from Monday 16 to Friday 20 August.  A Call For Papers is currently being conducted and registrations will soon open so be sure to watch out for further announcements.

Thank you to our members for your continued support and welcome aboard to our new organisations.  The Board and Staff of the ARTN are available to your at any time and welcome your feedback, comments, quandaries and tales.  May 2010 be a prosperous year for us all!
Best regards

Jennifer Hutchison
ARTN Chair

 

 

 

 

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2009 A TOUGH YEAR FOR TOURISM

 

On 30 December 2009, the Tourism Forecasting Committee released its latest forecast for inbound, domestic, and outbound tourism for both the short and long term.  The outlook for 2010 is cautiously optimistic, with improvements forecast across all key segments.  The key figures from the forecast are;

 

For 2010

 

• Inbound tourist arrivals to increase by 4.3% to 5.8 million
• Domestic visitor nights up 2.3%
• Outbound Australian tourism departures to increase by 4.1%
• The economic value of domestic tourism up 3% to $65.3 billion
• International visitor consumption to rise by 3.1& to $26.3 billion
• Real tourism consumption to increase by 3% to $91.6 billion
• Outbound travel to increase by 4.1%, which equates to growth of 258,000 departures

 

For 2011 and beyond

 

• Inbound tourist arrivals to increase by 4.9% in 2011 and 4.7% in 2012, increasing at an average annual rate of 3.5% between 2008-18
• Domestic visitor nights to rise by 1% in 2010, but will decrease at an annual average rate of 0.1% between 2007-17
• Total tourism consumption to increase at an compound annual growth rate of 1.3% between 2008-18 reaching at an estimated $105 billion in 2018 in real terms

 

To download a full copy of the Forecast, CLICK HERE.

 

In essence, the commentary of the Forecast indicated that 2009 was a tough year for Australian tourism, estimating that total tourist consumption contracted 3.5% in real terms to $89 billion.  This contraction is noted as being due to the following aspects;

 

• A significant decrease in domestic tourism
• A slight downturn in international visitors
• Strong performance of Australian outbound travel.

 

This sharp decline, on the back of the Global Financial Crisis and a contracting world economy, is the largest since the fall of 3.9% in 2003 which was attributed to the outbreak of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) and the United States’ invasion of Iraq.

 

Despite this, Australia performed better than most international tourism destinations, according to the United Nations World Tourism Organisation, with the number of short-term international arrivals to Australia in the period from January to October 2009 falling by only 1% against a fall in international travel of 6-8%.  International visitor consumption is also estimated to have increased by 1.8% to $25.5 billion.

 

Domestically, it is anticipated that tourism consumption fell by 5.4% in 2009.  This represents a downward revision of the Forecasting Committee’s June 2009 forecast of a 2.9% fall for 2009.  A selection of Tourism Research Australia’s statistics for the first three quarters of 2009 were;

 

• Domestic visitor nights were down 7.2%
• Overnight trips were down 7.5%
• Domestic nights in paid accommodation were down 8.5%
• Domestic overnight tourism activity and expenditure in Australia is at its lowest level since the current data series began in 1998 at 257 million nights - this estimate is 15% per cent (46 million nights) below the peak of 302 million nights set in the 2002–03 financial year

 

The poor performance of Australian domestic tourism contrasts strongly with the relatively strong performance of the Australian economy.  The Forecasting Committee credits this to a loss of competitiveness associated with higher petrol prices and the increased affordability of competing goods, such as outbound travel, given the high Australian dollar.  The increase in international aviation capacity, and the associated downward pressures on international airfares, has further increased the competitiveness of outbound travel relative to domestic travel. 

 

Looking forward, the continued strong performance of the Australian economy is a prerequisite for a turnaround in the performance of the domestic tourism sector.  The announcements of increasing domestic air services by Jetstar and Qantas at the end of 2009 is positive, as is the assumed associated recovery in business travel as the Australian economy improves.

 

To read more on the background of the Tourism Forecasting Committee, CLICK HERE.

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Need to Know – The National Long Term Tourism Strategy

 

 

What is it?

 

The National Long Term Tourism Strategy is an initiative of the Australian Government to address tourism priorities such as;

 

• regulatory impediments,
• skills and labour shortages,
• investment, infrastructure and planning,
• indigenous tourism,
• climate change implications,
• research, and
• marketing.

 

The Strategy seeks to establish a framework and principles for ensuring that the tourism industry is a competitive and sustainable industry into the future.

 

To download a full copy of the National Long Term Tourism Strategy CLICK HERE.

 

What’s the Background?

 

In July 2008, the Hon Martin Ferguson AM MP, Minister for Tourism, established the National Long Term Tourism Strategy Steering Committee chaired by Margaret Jackson AC and populated by various industry representatives.  This Steering Committee conducted wide ranging consultations with industry and government participants around Australia and from these consultations produced ‘The Jackson Report’.

The Jackson Report listed 10 key recommendations for the Government’s consideration in developing the Long Term Tourism Strategy.  These recommendations focused on;

 

• Research
• Digital Distribution
• People
• National scorecard
• Investment
• Product development and innovation
• Leadership and industry coordination

 

To download a full copy of the Jackson Report, CLICK HERE.

 

What’s the Bottom Line?

 

The Long Term Tourism Strategy has nine key points, each with detailed Actions that describe how that point will be implemented.  These nine key points are;

 

• Positioning for Long-Term Growth
• Leadership
• Informing Industry and Government
• Facilitating Investment and Regulatory Reform
• Labour and Skills
• Responding to Challenges
• Excellence in Product and Service Delivery
• Strengthening Our Competitiveness with Industry and Product Development

 

The Actions will be implemented by nine Working Groups comprised of participants from both industry and government.  These groups are;

 

• Labour and Skills Working Group
• Investment and Regulatory Reform Working Group
• Destination Management Planning Working Group
• National Tourism and Aviation Advisory Committee
• Resilience Working Group
• Tourism Quality Council of Australia
• Indigenous Tourism Working Group
• Tourism Australia partnered with states and territories and the Australian Tourism Data Warehouse
• Research and Development Advisory Board

 

How is the ARTN Involved?

 

The ARTN has been nominated to represent industry on the Destination Management Planning Working Group.  Jennifer Hutchison, Chair of the ARTN, will participate in all meetings of the Working Group and report back to ARTN Members at regular intervals on the Group’s progress.  The first meeting of the Working Group was held in late December 2009 with meetings scheduled regularly through the year.  The Initial Outputs for this Working Group for 2010 are;

 

• Complete a product gap audit of tourism experiences to establish potential areas of opportunity for world class Australian tourism development
• Work with the National Landscapes Reference Group and State Tourism Organisations to:
  • Determine a mechanism to establish Destination Management Plans for regional and urban tourism areas; and
  • Identify opportunities for extending the National Landscapes model to include cultural and heritage assets across Australian, in particular, World Heritage listed assets
• Evaluate the extent to which existing regional/destination data meet the needs of tourism operators, investors and tourism policy makers

 

Further to the Destination Management Working Group, the ARTN and its Members will be represented indirectly on several other Working Groups by ARTN Board members from Tourism Queensland, Tourism Tasmania, Tourism New South Wales and Tourism Western Australia.  The ARTN will also be represented by the National Tourism Alliance, of which the ARTN are Members, who will sit on the Tourism Quality Council of Australia.

 

How Do I Get More Involved?

 

The Strategy has an accompanying Work Plan giving a summary of all the Actions, which Working Groups will be responsible for them and Milestone Dates for achievements to be made by.
To download a full copy of the Work Plan CLICK HERE.

 

Updates and announcements regarding the Strategy will be regularly communicated to ARTN Members via e-blasts and e-newsletters.  If you have comments or queries regarding the Strategy or would like a specific issue elevated to a Working Group, please contact the ARTN by phone (02 6620 3785) or by email (vivienne.palmer@scu.edu.au).

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TQUAL Grants a Big Win for Regional Australia

 

Last month, the Australian Government announced the successful applicants for the 2009 round of TQUAL Grants, an initiative of Government to incentivise investment and improvement of tourism experiences in all states and territories.

 

The TQUAL Grant program comprised of a competitive application process for a share of more than $8.2 million in funding.  Of the 70 successful applicants, 63 were for initiatives based outside of capital cities, representing an injection of more than $7.13 million into regional Australia.
For a full listing of grant recipients CLICK HERE.

 

It’s yet to be announced if the TQUAL Grants Program will continue however the ARTN will communicate an update to Members as soon as any news becomes available.

 

 

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2010 Australian Regional Tourism Convention Update

 

Preparations for the 2010 Australian Regional Tourism Convention are already well underway with this year’s event tipped to be the best yet in the Convention’s 10 year history.  The Convention will be held in Victoria’s gorgeous Yarra Valley and Dandenongs region from Monday 16 to Friday 20 August.

The theme for the Convention is ‘Australia’s Regions ~ Ready, Resilient & Robust’ and will feature a stellar line up of presenters, exclusive behind the scenes Field Trips and a social program designed to help you maximise this unique opportunity to network with regional tourism practitioners from around the country.

 

A Call for Papers is currently underway, however the 5 February deadline for submissions is rapidly approaching.  Presenting at the Convention is an invaluable opportunity to work with others in your destination to showcase the ideas, knowledge and expertise the make tourism in regional Australia such a vibrant and vital industry.

 

Submitting a Paper is easy with a 500 word maximum.  Suggested topics are;

 

• Accreditation
  
  

  • Case studies of successful implementation
    
    
• Local Government
  
  
  • Case studies of successful integration of local government, tourism and economic development
  • Case studies of successful destination management and town planning
    
    
• Visitor Services
  
  
  • Case studies of successful online visitor services
    
    
• Workforce Development
  
  
  • Case studies of successful staff retention initiatives
  • Case studies of effective industry training and professional development programs
    
    
• Product & Experience Development
  
  
  • Case studies of strategic intervention to facilitate the development of regional products and experiences
    
    
• Destination Marketing
  
  
  • Case studies of successful marketing/branding strategies and campaigns
    
    
• Sustainable practices
  
  
  • Case studies of the adoption of sustainable business practices and their outcomes

 

To download a full copy of the 2010 Australian Regional Tourism Convention Call for Papers CLICK HERE.

The ARTN is proud to be working with Host Region Yarra Ranges Regional Marketing Ltd to produce the Convention.  The team at Yarra Ranges Regional Marketing Ltd are relishing the chance to show the industry just how much their region has achieved since the tragic Black Saturday bushfires of February 2009 and truly lead be example as to what really makes a region ‘Ready, Resilient & Robust’.

 

Registrations for the Convention will open soon with significant savings available for ARTN Members.  Further announcements will be communicated in the coming weeks.

 

 

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Who’s Who at the ARTN

 

In recent months, the Board and Staff of the ARTN have been focused on streamlining and improving the services the Network delivers to its Members.  The result has seen a renewed energy in the association and 2010 is set to become the brightest and most productive in two years since its incorporation.

 

A new Membership Structure has been unveiled, a refurbishment of the website is underway and the Board of the ARTN will soon convene for the second annual ARTN Strategic Planning Retreat which is a concentrated and focused meeting to plan major activities for the Network for the coming year, identify key priorities for tourism in regional Australia and ensure the ARTN continues to delivers value to its Members.

 

The Board and Staff of the ARTN are available to you at any time should you wish to highlight a particular challenge or opportunity, or simply speak to a fellow regional tourism practitioner to seek advice or act as a sounding board for ideas.  The 2009-2010 ARTN Board are listed below and may be contacted via the ARTN Secretariat by phone (02 6620 3785) or by email (vivienne.palmer@scu.edu.au).

 

Jennifer Hutchison – Chair
Director, Hutchison Corporate Resources
Retired Chief Executive, Yarra Ranges Regional Marketing Ltd

 

 

 

Rose Wright – Deputy Chair
Manager, Industry & Destination Development
School of Tourism & Hospitality Management, Southern Cross University

 

 

 

Darren Chirgwin - Treasurer
Executive Officer, Otways Tourism

 

 

 

Lori Modde - Secretary
Executive Manager, Outback NSW Tourism

 

 

 

Mandy Bellingham
Regional Product & Destination Services Specialist, Tourism NSW

 

 

 

John Sereni
Industry Development Manager, Tourism Sunshine Coast

 

 

 

Rod Caldicott
Tourism Officer, Richmond Valley Counci

l

 

 

Anita Donnelly
Executive Officer - Backpacker Operations Alliance of VIC. Hotel Motel Accommodation Assoc (VIC)
Deputy Executive Officer - Victorian Tourism Industry Council, Victorian Events Industry Council
Victorian Employers Chamber of Commerce & Industry (VECCI)

 

 

 

Debra Lewis
Head of Insights & Industry Development Unit, Tourism Tasmania

 

 

 

Renata Lowe
Director of Destination Development, Tourism Western Australia

 

 

 

Therese Phillips
Director of Industry Innovation, Tourism Queensland

 

 

 

Marje Prior
Executive Officer, Central NSW Tourism

 

 

 

Ian Waller
Regional Tourism Development Manager, Cradle Coast Authority

 

 

Vivienne Palmer – Network Manager
Australian Regional Tourism Network

 

 

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REGIONAL TOURISM CAREER OPPORTUNITES

 

The ARTN is proud to announce a new feature of the Members section of its website. The new page, entitled Regional Tourism Career Opportunities, is a hub for Members looking to upskill and update their qualifications or look for the next step in their career.

 

Listing on the website is exclusive to ARTN Members.  To upload a position description or details of a professional development opportunity, contact the ARTN by phone (02 6620 3785) or by email (vivienne.palmer@scu.edu.au).

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UPCOMING REGIONAL TOURISM INDUSTRY EVENTS

 

What: ‘Beyond the Drought’ industry seminar

The first of eight industry seminars Central NSW Tourism is organising during 2010 to support business operators, communities and government to develop new tourism experiences for the region.

Where: Forbes, Central New South Wales
When: Tuesday, 9 February 2010
Cost: Tickets from $70 per person
Info: www.centralnswtourism.com.au

 

What:The CountryLink Outback NSW 2010 Tourism Symposium

Attendees update their skills and knowledge;

• Current market demands
• New marketing techniques
• Partnership opportunities
• New customer demands
• International know-how
• Learning from other successes
• Who’s who in tourism
• Government investment

 

Where: Lightning Ridge, Outback New South Wales
When: Monday 22 – Tuesday 23 March 2010
Cost: Registration fees start at $50
Info: www.corporate.outbacknsw.com

 

What: 2010 Australian Regional Tourism Convention

Registrations will soon open for this premier national event for regional tourism practitioners.  The theme for the Convention is ‘Australia’s Regions ~ Ready, Resilient & Robust’ and will feature a stellar line up of presenters, exclusive behind the scenes Field Trips and a social program designed to help you maximise this unique opportunity to network with regional tourism practitioners from around the country.

Where: Yarra Valley & the Dandenongs, Victoria
When: Monday 16 – Friday 20 August 2010
Cost: Registration fees start at $990 per person

Info: Convention page

 

ARTN News Arhives

 

News Archive 6 - (August 2009)

News Archive 5 - (March 2009)

News Archive 4 - (August 2008)

News Archive 3 - (May 2008)

News Archive 2 - (February 2008)

News Archive 1 - (October 2007)