Great Lakes Tourism 2014-2015 Partnership Program

Contact usGreat Lakes Tourism Forster Visitor Centre Little Street Forster, NSW, 2428

tel: 02 6554 8799 email: tourism@greatlakes.nsw.gov.au

www.greatlakes.org.au

WELCOME!

The Great Lakes Tourism Partnership Program is a great way for individuals, companies and organisations to get involved in the promotion and development of tourism in the region. Great Lakes Tourism currently engages with over 200 businesses from across the region through this Program.

The annual Partnership Program provides significant opportunities for partners to actively participate in co-operative campaigns and other marketing activity at a local, regional, national and international level at a fraction of the real cost of advertising.

The next 12 months will see some exciting initiatives including new commercials, increased social media presence, new responsive website, innovative Visitor Guides, bigger events calendar and a program of business and technology workshops.

We invite you to become an industry partner with Great Lakes Tourism for 2014/2015 and look forward to working with you over the coming year.

Great Lakes Tourism Team

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1,003,000 VISITORS

Over 1 million visitors come to the Great Lakes annually, stay for more than 2.3 million nights and spend $374 million in our local area.*

*Source: International & National Visitor Surveys, Tourism Research Australia 2013.

“In 2020 the Great Lakes will have a sustainable tourism industry. The region as well as being known for world class waterways and family holidays will have an unrivalled reputation for its wealth of authentic nature-based experiences, diverse landscapes, distinctive destinations and vibrant local culture, with a year-round program of events. Our accommodation, our food, our activities, our culture and our customer service will all add up to a visitor experience that creates lasting memories.”

OUR VISION

OUR GOAL

“Tourism to grow in a sustainable way and to make an increasing contribution to the economic, social, cultural and environmental well-being of the Great Lakes”

GREAT LAKES TOURISM

Great Lakes Tourism is a small and passionate team within the structure of Great Lakes Council. We’re responsible for the development, implementation and monitoring of the regions Destination Management Plan.

TOURISM IS EVERYONE’S BUSINESS

The $374 million spend by visitors is really only half the story. This expenditure refers to the direct economic contribution of tourism ie: where there is a direct transaction between the visitor & local business.

However, tourism spending has a multiplier effect in the local community as it is spent and re-spent by employers and employees. So whether your the butcher who supplies the restaurant or the accountant who does the motel cleaner’s tax return, the flow on effect of the tourism dollar affects businesses at all levels.

The benefits and returns from tourism will only continue to grow in the Great Lakes through a cohesive and collaborative approach by all industry stakeholders.

Working together is the one sure way we can all benefit!

AccountantsArchitectsBakersBanksBuildersBus & car hireChamber of commerceChemistsCleaners & maintenanceCrafts peopleCultural groupsElectricians

EngineersFarmersGift shopsLaundriesMarket gardenersMarketeersManufacturersMarine dealersMechanicsNewsagentsNightclubsOff licenses

Petrol stationsPlumbersPostal workersPrinters & designersRestaurants & cafesReal estatesRetailersShopping centresTelecoms providersTravel agentsUtility providersWaitersWineries

PetrolTransportEntertainmentEventsAccommodationShoppingMealsOthers

Administrative expensesAdvertising & promotionCapital assets & replacementsCommissionsEntertainmentFood & drinksGas & electricityLegal & professional servicesMerchandisePetrolRates & chargesRentRepairs & maintenanceState taxesTransportWages

Spend dollars on ››› the industry pays for ›››

››› which benefits everybody!

VISITORS

Overseas ›‹ Interstate ›‹ Local ›››

WHY BECOME A MEMBER?

PromotionWe promote the Great Lakes as a leading destination to national and international visitors directly via our own marketing channels and co-operatively via regional, state & national promotional vehicles (Legendary Pacific Coast, North Coast Destination Network, Destination NSW & Tourism Australia)

• Advertise your business in our wide-ranging marketing campaigns by featuring in our printed and digital guides

• Participate in collaborative advertising and marketing activity

• Reach over 158,000 potential visitors with a free listing on greatlakes.org.au and maximise exposure by advertising in key spots on the site

• Inclusion of business info in Visitor & Event Packs.

• Promote your business to event attendees & spectators coming to the region.

• Display your brochure in our four visitor information centres (Forster, Pacific Palms, Tea Gardens, Bulahdelah)

• Profile your business & highlight special offers to our growing visitor database (7000+) via our targeted consumer enewsletters.

• Get involved with our social media activity including facebook, twitter, youtube, flickr & instagram.

• Host media famils and enjoy free editorial coverage.

• Representation at trade and consumer expos, including all major caravan, camping & RV shows in NSW, VIC & QLD.

• Participate in business to business promotional opportunities.

• Access thousands of free images through our photo library.

• Generate accommodation bookings and referrals via our online booking engine and visitor enquiries.

Communication• Hear from inspiring speakers and network at our partner meetings.

• Receive monthly partner enewsletters and updates.

• Access the member-protected area on greatlakes.org.au

Support & Development• Tap into our extensive visitor and business research.

• Participate in our series of business and technology workshops.

• Receive free specialist business and marketing advice.

There is an enormous cost to effectively market and manage a destination. Every partner that pays a partnership fee and participates in co-operative marketing is assisting the whole region to achieve consumer awareness and market penetration. All dollars raised through our partnership program go directly to market the Great Lakes as a destination!

WITHOUT YOUR SUPPORT, MARKETING THE GREAT LAKES AND VISITATION TO OUR REGION WILL DECLINE.

80,000 Great Lakes Seasonal Guides & Holiday Planners were distributed throughout Australia

Partners participated in media visits & collaborative campaigns arranged by GLT including Discover Downunder, Holiday with Kids, Legendary Pacific Coast, Out & About with Kids, NRMA Open Road, Destination NSW & Focus Magazine.

greatlakes.org.au received over 158,000 unique visits and almost 850,000 pageviews

GLT processed $320,000 worth of accommodation bookings for partner businesses via our website and Visitor Centres. Hundreds more enquiries were referred to providers.

The GLT Visitor Centre Network serviced over 100,000 customers & managed more than 500,000 phone & email enquiries.

5,000 participants & supporters came to the region via our Event Tourism Program. Generating close to an extra $1.5 million for the area.

The Great Lakes was represented at several major consumer expos in NSW, VIC & QLD, promoting the region & its businesses to more than 160,000 show attendees.

GLT has a growing database of customers (7000+) who want to know about the Great Lakes. Regular targeted e-newsletters are sent to these customers.

2013/2014 SNAPSHOTS

BECOMING A TOURISM PARTNER COULDN’T BE EASIER!

For between $17 to $50 per month you can receive a full range of benefits.

You can choose to join the Partnership according to your business size (Levels 1-3) or alternatively you can opt for a Corporate package if you wish to contribute at a higher level.

This year we’re also providing a new way for businesses to get involved and is open to any business that doesn’t fit into one of the standard Australian Date Warehouse Tourism Categories (see Table 2). The main benefits of joining as an Associate partner include a basic business listing on greatlakes.org.au, receipt of regular partner communication and the opportunity to buy-in to promotional & advertising campaigns, events and workshops.

Our tiered partnership structure is designed to be as equitable as possible, maximising the range of benefits for ALL businesses, big or small. We’re confident that this program will strengthen our cooperative relationship and provide you with more value for your marketing.

Levels 1, 2 & 3 Level 1: $200 p.a | Level 2: $450 p.a | Level 3: $600 p.a

The level at which you join the partnership is determined by the size of your business (see Table 2). ALL THESE LEVELS RECEIVE THE SAME RANGE OF BENEFITS.

Platinum corporate sponsor $1,200 p.a

A platinum package is an enhanced partnership package designed for businesses wishing to work more closely with GLT. Platinum partners receive significant advertising discounts and promotional opportunities.

Associate business $55 p.a

This is a new way for businesses to get involved and is open to any business that doesn’t fit into one of the standard Australian Data Warehouse Tourism categories (see table 2). Associate Businesses can upgrade to a full partnership at any time.

PARTNERSHIP BENEFIT Table 1

Benefits Levels 1, 2 & 3 Platinum Associate

Full business listing on greatlakes.org,au (website, email & sm links, video & pdf upload available) Basic business directory listing on greatlakes.org.au Link to greatlakes.org.au from own website Access to GLT RSS Event feed for use on own website Online booking service & referrals Posting of special offers/hot deals on website & Social Media Channels Monthly Partners enewsletter Inclusion in social media strategy Co-operative marketing and advertising opportunities Advertising discounts in GLT key publications and campaigns. Display of DL brochure in the Great Lakes Visitor Centres Display of Great Lakes “it’s you” logo on own website and printed material Inclusion of business information in promotional and event packs Media and PR famil opportunities Representation at trade & consumer shows Invitations to industry networking functions, seminars & workshops. Assistance with business listing on the Australian Tourism Database Warehouse Access to the tourism image library Use of event & display equipment (banners, marquee etc) at a discounted rate Opportunity to become a member of the Legendary Pacific Coast Access to tourism research & marketing insights Click through business logo on GLT visitor & business email communication. Advertising discounts in GLT publications & campaigns (20% off standard discounted partner charge)

Free electronic billboard advert on greatlakes.org.au for 1 week & 50% discount on further advertising (max 4 weeks).

Free business profile opportunity in 1 consumer enewsletter

FEE STRUCTURE Table 2

Level 1 - $200 Level 2 - $450 Level 3 - $600

Accommodation Up to 4 rooms/properties/apartments/cabins/sites 5 to 10 rooms/properties/apartments/cabins/sitesMore than 10 rooms/properties/apartments/cabins/sites

Attractions/ Activities Entry fee Up to $15 per adult Entry fee $15 to $30 per adult Entry fee More than $30 per adult

Clubs & Pubs Employees Up to 10 Employees 11 to 50 Employees More than 50

Tour Operators / Tourist TuitionLicensed seating or max group size Up to 10 people

Licensed seating or max group size 11 to 50 peopleLicensed seating or max group size More than 50 people

Restaurants, Cafes, Food Outlets Seating capacity Up to 30 Seating capacity 31 to 100 Seating capacity More than 100

Shops, retail, transport, gyms, day spas & health practitioners.

Employees Up to 10 Employees 11 to 20 Employees More than 20

Industry Groups, Business Chambers, community organisations, government organisations, museums, galleries.

All N/A N/A

• Partnership for additional businesses is available at a Level 1 rate of $150 per additional business. • The business attracting the highest partnership charge will be considered the primary business. • Multiple business owners will be expected to maintain each business as a separate identity.• Fees shown are GST exclusive.

Platinum Corporate Sponsor $1,200 p.a

Associate Business $55 p.a

GREAT LAKES TOURISM PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM TERMS & CONDITIONS

1. Acknowledgement and/or completion of the application form constitutes a binding agreement to participate in the Great Lakes Tourism Partner Program 2014/15 in accordance with these terms and conditions.

2. It is at the discretion of Great Lakes Tourism to accept the inclusion of a partner into the Partner Program and associated activities.

3. On receipt of this application form for the Partner Program an invoice will be raised by Great Lakes Council and sent to the nominated address.

4. Participation in the Partner Program is not confirmed until the signed agreement and full payment has been received.

5. All membership invoices must be paid within 30 days.

6. The applicant agrees to enter into a twelve (12) month membership from 1 July 2014 to 30 June 2015.

7. The participant agrees to participate in media and trade familiarisations as required, pending availability

8. The participant agrees to make high quality images available for promotional material and media as required

9. Applicable members agree to pay the membership fee plus commission on accommodation bookings that have been taken via Greatlakes.org.au and through the Visitor Information Centre.

10. Any new memberships after 31 January 2015 will be calculated on a pro-rata basis.

11. If a members business is sold during the membership term the new owners may continue the current membership as per the original agreement.

12. If any member is guilty of any conduct, which in the opinion of Great Lakes Tourism is unbecoming, prejudicial to the interests of Great Lakes Tourism / Great Lakes Council or constitutes misconduct the member may be expelled.

13. Great Lakes Tourism Partner Program benefits can be subject to change without notice.

14. Members must complete & return a “Business Data Sheet” for their website listing and supply 4-6 high resolution images within 30 days of joining the Partner Program.

15. Great Lakes Tourism reserves the right to edit any content supplied for publication to improve marketability of message.

16. Members agree to the following responsibilities by becoming a member of the Partner Program:

a. Operate the business in a professional and courteous manner;

b. All advertising and promotion to reflect a true and accurate picture of the business;

c. Customers are informed of all terms and conditions and the member adheres to these;

d. All customers are treated equally;

e. Acknowledge the responsibility to meet the reasonable expectations of customers;

f. All customer queries and concerns are handled promptly and fairly;

g. All reasonable care is taken to ensure customer and staff health and safety;

h. No customer information is divulged which breaches an individual’s right to privacy;

i. All plant, equipment and products are in good working order;

j. The business has public liability insurance;

k. The business maintains all relevant licenses and permits to operate the business.

PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM APPLICATION FORM

Business DetailsBusiness Name

Trading Name

Street Address

Town Postcode

Billing Address (if different from above)

Town Postcode

Phone A/H Phone

Fax

Website

Facebook

ABN GST Registered Y / N

Type of Business

Short description of your business (approx 100 words)

Trading days and operating hours: Mon Tues Wed Thurs Fri Sat Sun

Are you open public holidays? Y / N

Contact DetailsName

Position

Phone

Email

I acknowledge and agree to the Terms and Conditions* that apply to the 2014/2015 Great Lakes Tourism Partnership Program. (*Terms and Conditions are provided on opposite page.)

Name Position

Signature Date

Please return your completed 2014/15 Great Lakes Tourism Partnership Program Application Form to: Sharon Bultitude, Great Lakes Tourism, PO Box 117 Forster, NSW 2428