Media Statements - Tourism Today seminars head for the Kimberley

30/08/05

A series of skills development workshops will be held throughout the Kimberley during September to help tourism operators improve their business performance.

Tourism Minister Mark McGowan said the seminar series would be offered in Broome and Kununurra and would help those new to business, as well as those with established operations.

“The two-day program focuses on developing marketing, selling and customer service skills,” Mr McGowan said.

“Although the program has been designed for tourism businesses, all small business operators would benefit.”

The program will be delivered by Jurek Leon - a trainer and consultant in marketing, motivation and customer service.

“Participants can choose to attend whatever elements of the program they find most relevant, whether it be marketing, promotions, or customer service,” the Minister said.

“An indigenous tourism component that runs on Day Two is designed for indigenous operators and covers the latest research on indigenous tourism, product development ideas, business assistance programs and planning and promotion.”

The indigenous component will be delivered by Sam Lovell from the Office of Aboriginal Economic Development and Angelique Fransen, Tourism WA’s Indigenous Tourism Product Co-ordinator.

Kimberley MLA Carol Martin said many businesses in the Kimberley were based around the tourism industry.

“Tourism is big business in the Kimberley and most people are involved in some way or another with the tourism industry,” Mrs Martin said.

“It is great to see seminars in the Kimberley designed to help operators improve their business performance.

“The Gallop Government is providing new jobs and opportunities for Western Australians.”

The seminar, which runs over two afternoons, will be offered in Broome Sept 19-20 at the Mangrove Hotel and Kununurra Sept 22-23 at the Lakeside Resort. Training vouchers are available from the local Business Enterprise Centres for qualifying businesses.

Bookings are essential, so to find out more and download a registration form, visit http://www.tourismtoday.westernaustralia.com

Registrations close September 9.

The Tourism Today seminar series is a joint initiative of the Small Business Development Corporation and Tourism Western Australia’s Better Business Blitz Program.

For further information, contact:
Broome - Ros at the Broome BEC on 9193 6622 or manager@broomebec.com.au
Kununurra – Suzanne at the East Kimberley BEC on 9161 1181 or wekbec@westnet.com.au

Minister's office: 9222 9111