Excellence in Tourism by Local Government

This category is open to all local government authorities in South Australia and recognises excellence in tourism planning and management, the provision of tourism services, facilities and activities.

 

Important notes:
 

• Entries are to be related to an overall tourism commitment during the qualifying period. The qualifying period is 1 July 2011 to 30 June 2012.
• Entrants are encouraged to enter other categories e.g. Festivals and Events, Visitor Information and Services. Please visit www.satourismawards.com.aufor further information on the categories.

 

Question 1. Tourism Services (25 points)

a) Provide a general introduction and overview to your Council and your tourism services/ facilities and activities. (6 points)

b) Describe the tourism services/ facilities and activities that are the subject of this submission. (7 points)

c) Explain the rationale and the philosophies behind these tourism initiatives. (6 points)

d) What tourism experiences/ benefits do these provide to the consumer and tourism operators in your region? (6 points)

TIPS:

Part a)Consider stating where you are geographically (include a map detailing the Council’s boundaries). Include reference to the major tourist attractions/experiences that have an impact on your region (not necessarily within your local authority).

Part b) can be a single activity like a project or event or a composite of all of Council’s tourism activities during the qualifying period.

Part c) is asking for the basis of decisions taken to provide the subject tourism services and facilities.

Part d) describe the impacts/benefits your tourism services/facilities and activities have on the tourism industry in your region and in South Australia.

 

Question 2. Tourism Planning (25 points)

a) Outline your tourism strategy and Council’s tourism development plan. (5 points)

b) Describe Council’s internal structures for identifying and communicating tourism issues and requirements. (5 points)

c) Describe the processes in place to identify and meet the needs of the tourists visiting or passing through your region. (5 points)

d) What relationships do you have with the local tourism industry, visitor centres, regional tourism associations, South Australian Tourism Commission and neighbouring Councils in the provision of tourism services/infrastructure? (5 points)

e) Describe the risk issues you have identified for your Council in relation to the tourism industry and the risk mitigation strategies you have put in place. (5 points)

 TIPS:

Part a) consider including any links with other strategy formulation e.g. an economic development plan.

Part b) consider including details of Council’s internal communication processes concerning tourism issues e.g. regular management meetings, internal newsletters, Council meeting agenda’s etc.

Part c) provide information on Council’s approach to tourism – is it pro-active or reactive? If your location has seasonal challenges, how do you address those requirements?

Part d) Detail your involvement in and/or support of local tourism industry bodies. Do you work with neighbouring Council’s in tourism development and marketing?

Part e) Risks can be marketing associated like increased competition from other destinations or be generated by a natural event like a cyclone that can damage infrastructure, close access and generally affect visitor numbers. Management risks associated with such circumstances as increased seasonal demand and/or a lack of accommodation facilities, adequate roadways and general funding (some Councils have a stronger rate payer base) are all matters that can be addressed in this question.

 

Question 3. Tourism Marketing (25 points)

a) What are the region’s tourism target markets and how do you identify them? and what outcomes have been made in the qualifying period. (8 points)

b) What contribution does Council make towards the provision of visitor information services? (8 points)

c) Describe the involvement that Council has in the promotion of the tourism services/facilities and activities that are the subject of this submission.(9 points)

 TIPS:

Consider all arms of marketing and the objective should be to demonstrate a clear plan and the outcomes achieved.

Part a) What is your main market segments – international, interstate, intrastate? Do you target a particular demographic?

Explain what methods you use to identify your prime markets e.g what sort of research/ methodology does Council undertake and/or source from other parties e.g. South Australian Tourism Commission?

b) how does your Council contribute towards visitor information services. Do you contribute with employment, infrastructure money, ? explain how does that impact/benefit tourism in your region.

c) How is your Council involved? Describe and explain all promotional activities your Council’s has contributed to and the impact/benefits they provide for tourism in your region.

Question 4.  Sustainability, Innovation and Industry Support (25 points)

a) Describe and demonstrate commitment to environmental sustainability in your Council’s tourism services/ facilities and activities. (8 points)

b) Describe any innovations relating to tourism that your Council has undertaken during the qualifying period to enhance the tourism experience for tourists to your region. (9 points)

c) Describe your Council’s business support and assistance programs for tourism operators in your region. (8 points)

 TIPS:

Part a) This could include energy and water conservation, building design and location, waste management, recycling, tree planting, engaging environmentally sensitive procedure and accreditation programs

Part b) some innovations may not be directly related to the activity or activities that are the subject of this submission, however, if they are tourism related they should also be listed.

Part c) Demonstrate your involvement at local, state and/or national level. Examples could include the provision of general facilities, operation/support of the local visitor centre/ region tourism association, involvement in local festival and events, involvement in tourism promotion and marketing campaigns.

  

Total score: 100 points. Visitation: 0 points.

 Due to the diversity of potential entrants in this category, this category will be given either a phone interview or site visit interview and evaluated for verification purposes only and therefore no points will be awarded for the verification.

Please note:

• The award will be presented at the discretion of the judges, based on the submissions received.
• This category is awarded at the State/Territory level only and the recipient will not proceed to the Qantas Australian Tourism Awards judging process.