Tourism businesses in Campaspe Shire have embraced the opportunity to grow and be accredited through the Victorian Tourism Industry Council Quality Tourism Business Program.

Launched in July, 12 businesses were involved in the six-week program developed by the Victoria Tourism Industry Council that wrapped up on September 10.

Three businesses have achieved their Quality Tourism Business accreditation, with many others following suit.

Green Pedal Cycles Echuca, My Coffee Cart and Goolwa River Retreat are fully accredited from the program, with The Shearing Shed House not far behind.

Many of these businesses discovered the program through the Campaspe Shire Council tourism networking night in July.

This included Daniel Mackrell from My Coffee Cart, who, until the networking event, was unaware of the role of his business in the tourism industry.

“That was the first time I’d heard about it,” Mr Mackrell said.

“I decided to participate because I realised that night that I was actually a tourism product as well.

“Before that night I hadn’t even entertained the idea that I am part of the tourism network.”

Through the program, participants were able to learn more about the tourism industry as a whole, where they fit in, and where they can better their business.

“I recognised that it was a great opportunity to improve,” Green Pedal Cycles owner Suzanna Barry said.

“It was really positive. It was good to do a deep dive and look into our procedures and policies, and the opportunities for growth.”

The program was facilitated by Despina Karatzias, who brought her experience as an operator and as a mentor to guide the group.

Lynn Mason, from The Shearing Shed House, was grateful for the education that Mrs Karatzias provided.

“Despina had a wealth of knowledge,” she said.

“I learnt so much. We had one-on-one coaching along the way, so she was really great with helping me (learn) how to expand the business into different areas.”

Many of the skills in the program are guided by the Quality Tourism Accreditation, looking at financial and risk management, promotion and sustainability.

“To achieve the sustainable business accreditation, you needed to demonstrate your business plans, risk management, customer service,” Mrs Barry said.

“You needed to make sure that you have key documents in place, and provide evidence of those.”

Participants in the program would encourage other businesses to take up the opportunity if it is offered, enjoying their time learning and connecting with one another.

“It allows us to get in a room together and be able to utilise resources that we wouldn’t have had available for us,” Mr Mackrell said.

“It’s allowed myself to network with others in the program. From that, we’ve got more work, but we’ve actually been able to work together.”

Mrs Barry echoed these sentiments, acknowledging the impact that can be achieved with widespread education.

“It’s definitely a worthwhile program,” she said.

“The more businesses that can achieve the sustainable tourism tick, the better it’s going to be for our region.

The businesses are grateful to Campaspe Shire Council, and particularly tourism development officer Cheryl Hammer, for providing the opportunity for operators in the region to learn more and support one another.

“Thanks to Cheryl,” Mrs Mason said.

“I’m really appreciative ... and Despina as the facilitator was amazing.”

Campaspe Shire Council acting chief executive Michael Sharp was happy to see the outcomes of the program so far, highlighting the place of programs like this one in a tourism-focused area.

“Council is delighted to be able to support local tourism operators into the Quality Tourism Business Program, with a number of participants achieving their national accreditation to date, building their capability to thrive in their business, as well as delivering quality tourism experiences within our region,” he said.

“The benefits of the program are far-reaching with individual businesses already undertaking further training as well as networking and peer to peer support opportunities that have developed within the group.

“Council thanks the Victorian Tourism Industry Council who partnered with us to deliver the program crafted specifically for our local operators and empowered them to achieve great things for their business, and our region.”

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