MARGARET RIVER BUSSELTON TOURISM ASSOCIATION'S (MRBTA)

MARGARET RIVER BUSSELTON TOURISM ASSOCIATION'S (MRBTA) 2016 17

The importance of tourism in Your Margaret River Region Your Margaret River Region is the most visited regional destination in Western Australia. Geographically defined by the boundaries of the City of Busselton and the Shire of Augusta Margaret River, we welcomed more than two million visitors in 2015 and this number continues to grow every year. ARE YOU PART OF THE VISITOR ECONOMY? The visitor economy not only refers to the core tourism services of accommodation, hospitality, transport and activities but the full suite of other businesses and services which add to the overall visitor experience in the region. If any part of your income derives from visitors, or people who make their income from visitors, you are part of the visitor economy! Spending by visitors spreads through our communities providing a wide range of jobs, facilities and opportunities. HOW TOURISM BENEFITS OUR REGION Tourism is one of the top five future growth sectors for the Australian economy, forecast to double in size over the next two decades. Tourism generates growth in local spend and employment opportunities. It also encourages investment into the development of infrastructure and the protection of natural areas and cultural icons for the shared benefit of visitors and the local community. Tourism is the largest industry in WA (larger than mining) Employs 94,000 people in WA Employs 7,000 people in SW WA >100 people directly employed by MRBTA Contributes almost $ 1 billion to our local economy Tourism in WA generates $ 8.5 billion p.a. (2016) $ 12 billion p.a. (2020 target) Overall visitation increased by 23% for Your Margaret River Region from 2014 2015* * National Visitor Survey, December 2015 This means: Domestic International Overall visitation growth for WA +21% +38% +8.5% Target: Increase visitation by 40% for Your Margaret River Region from 2013 2020 This means: Overnight Visitors Overnight Visitor Spend (direct and indirect) (2013) (2020) (2013) (2020)

Our Purpose The purpose of the Margaret River Busselton Tourism Association is to attract visitors to the region and preserve our natural assets for the benefit of our 780+ members who seek increased visitation and spend. Our Focus Margaret River Busselton Tourism Association (MRBTA) positioned to deliver destination Your Margaret River Region We focus on the areas of destination marketing, providing 6 world class visitor attractions, operating 4 visitor centres and ground handling at the Busselton-Margaret River Regional Airport. We might be young (incorporated 1 July 2015), but we were born of historic and proud foundations. A unique local tourism organisation model, the MRBTA combines the assets, resources and talents of its heritage to create a region with one voice and a solid platform to deliver Your Margaret River Region to the world. Our Funding MRBTA managed Attractions Marketing & Membership Souvenirs Local Government Funding Booking Commissions Other Airport 98% Self-funded Our activities Destination marketing Visitor travel tools & services Member services & support Tourism advocacy & representation Conservation of natural & heritage assets IT S TIME TO EMBRACE THE BRAND As one strong organisation, the MRBTA is in an unprecedented position to invest in campaigns that deliver our message to local, national and international audiences but you can help us take it even further. Your Margaret River Region brand is an open-source brand; that is, a brand that you can develop just by taking it on board and using in your own way. Whether it s the print of your winemaker on every bottle you ship, or your chef s print on the corner of your restaurant s menu, or the owners prints at the top of your website, we ask you to express your pride in your product and region on everything you do. Learn all you need to know about implementing the brand within your own business activity at corporate.margaretriver.com We are no longer only dependent on the peak season Perth visitors of old. Thanks to innovative campaigns of MRBTA and their tourism partners, the historical trends of exclusive high and low seasons have shifted with new shoulder season activity. We now welcome all year round visitors from a diverse range of nationalities ready to explore. Peter Gordon, Equinox Restaurant Busselton

TRAVEL DECISION MAKING PROCESS 1 DREAMING EMAIL MARKETING SOCIAL VIDEO BLOGS Tempt me. Travelers love to dream about their next holiday. 40% of travelers visit social networking sites to influence destination selection OTA S DESTINATION WEBSITES HOTEL/PRODUCT WEBSITES SOCIAL TRAVEL AGENTS information during the planning stage. In fact, they will have visited over 20 different travel websites in over 9 separate research sessions on the internet BOOKING OTA S DESTINATION WEBSITES SUPPLIER WEBSITES TRAVEL AGENTS VISITOR CENTRES Make it quick and easy. Increasingly booking online, with greater transparency & options. Research shows that 82% of online bookings in Australia in 2013 were made directly via supplier websites. APPS VISITOR CENTRES SOCIAL DESTINATION Knock me off my feet. 42% of guests want a personalised experience SHARING I want to tell the world. Travellers love to boast about their holiday. 50% of Facebook users stated that seeing friend s holiday pictures inspired them to book a trip to that particular place. 4 This is the heart of the journey cycle. 5 2 In this era of digital disruption and a fiercely competitive tourism environment, MRBTA has developed an in-house marketing resource with the necessary skills, experience and technical expertise to ensure that visitors are drawn to visiting the region when making their travel decisions. PLANNING VISITOR CENTRES Give it to me straight. Travelers need 3 Destination marketing attracting visitors to the region BROADCAST MEDIA SOCIAL 34,000+ Facebook followers 8,000+ Twitter followers 18,300+ Instagram followers 700,000+ unique website visitors 30,000+ e-newsletter subscribers The social media channels of margaretriver.com are very user-friendly. In my view these digital platforms are the value of being a MRBTA member. It aligns your brand with the aspirational and emotive stories that shape itineraries whilst offering immediate call to action. The expertise of the MRBTA is one of the region s greatest assets. Sean Blocksidge, The Margaret River Discovery Co. 2016/17 MARKETING INITIATIVES EVENTS Campaigns and activity around Wine & Food, Nature & Adventure (including Trails) and Arts & Wellbeing (including Aboriginal Cultural experiences) Events play a critical role in increasing visitation to the region during off-peak periods. MRBTA provides marketing support to a range of cultural, sporting, gastronomic and community based events. Members can promote events via the event calendar at margaretriver.com, home to some of the website s most popular content receiving over 300,000 page views per year. Implementation of the Domestic and International Marketing and Sales Plan Implementation of a strategic public relations plan, including journalist familiarisations, to increase media coverage of the region Production of 120,000 copies of Your Margaret River Region quarterly magazines per year, showcasing the region s key experiences Curation of a suite of consumer, media and trade e-newsletters reaching an audience of +30,000 An ongoing content marketing program carried out via owned (website blog, social media, email), earned (public relations) and paid platforms Working with wholesalers, retailers and inbound tour operators to increase product distribution Promoting the success of tourism within the region via the local Value of Tourism campaign DESTINATION WEBSITE At the heart of our activity is margaretriver.com. Designed specifically to meet our region s needs and in response to consumer search habits, the website features rich content, stunning imagery, booking capability and the flexibility to be user friendly no matter the user's device. Over 3 million page views annually Continuously ranked on the first page of search engines 76% of website traffic coming from organic search results Home to popular website blogs and sample trip itineraries. Members of the MRBTA have opportunity to leverage or participate in many of the Association s marketing activities.

DID YOU KNOW? Our visitor centres service 534,000 walk-in visitors p.a. Who purchase 15,500+ nights accommodation 22,700+ tours & activities And inject an additional $ 9.8 million* into Your Margaret River Region as a result of their visit * The Influence of WA Visitor Centres on Tourist Behaviour, Tourism Research Australia, September 2015 Providing world class information services to help visitors do more and see more across the region (and beyond) MRBTA manages four accredited, award-winning Visitor Centres in Busselton, Dunsborough, Margaret River and Augusta. Our staff in these centres combined with our caves and lighthouses come into contact with over 1.1 million visitors annually. A TEAM OF 30+ VISITOR EXPERTS Our knowledgeable and passionate consultants use their expertise to: Create personalised itineraries for customers, to showcase the region s tourism opportunities and wide range of events Inspire visitors to go to more places and experience more, resulting in greater visitor dispersal, spend and length of stay Ensure that visitors have all the travel advice and information required to have a safe, fun and memorable holiday so that they too can become ambassadors for the region Provide a dedicated service for groups wishing to arrange events or itineraries such as weddings, conferences, or corporate and special events Provide up to date support and feedback to members of our Association. HAVING THE TOOLS THAT WORK FOR VISITORS AND MEMBERS MRBTA has developed a range of tools to assist visitors, whether they are part of the 1.1 million per year who visit our visitor centres or attractions, or those who we service off-site. These include: Over 300,000 regional maps distributed annually Mobile friendly website and 24hour digital information screens Regional app (relaunched in 2016/17) Brochures, magazines and event guides Specialised information and guides Telephone information, advice and bookings Email and web enquiry responses Visitor centre in-store product advertising and information Retail sales of members local produce and souvenirs

Six amazing natural and cultural attractions to share, discover and conserve As part of its unique operating model, the MRBTA is entrusted with the management of six of the region s most iconic natural and cultural heritage sites. MRBTA's professional guides provide visitors to our caves and lighthouses with a quality experience in stunning locations. The revenue generated from operating these attractions is used to support the association s activities as well as to improve on-site facilities and conserve these precious natural assets. 365,000 annual visitors Improvements to infrastructure and enhanced visitor experiences Investment in conservation work and activities Funding destination marketing and visitor services in Your Margaret River Region VISITOR EXPERIENCE Synonymous with the capes themselves, the two sentinels of Cape Naturaliste and Cape Leeuwin Lighthouses stand guard, protecting modern seafarers much as they did when first engineered, over a century ago. With stories brought to life by guides, the lighthouses come to represent the hardships faced by the region s first European settlers and symbolise the wild and remote nature of our coast. Beneath the scenic landscapes and majestic forests of the Leeuwin-Naturaliste Ridge, caves have been formed over a million years by the movement of water through the limestone rock. Four of the most stunning caves, Ngilgi, Mammoth, Lake and Jewel Caves, are managed by MRBTA enabling visitors to experience and appreciate their outstanding natural beauty. Each cave has its own special features and history. Visitors can choose from self-guided, semi, or fully guided experiences or even get a taste for adventure caving. RESEARCH, EDUCATION, CONSERVATION AND HERITAGE The MRBTA runs a number of educational programs designed to support the school curriculum for students of different ages. These are very popular and help to invoke wonder, learning and respect for our natural and built environment. MRBTA s specialist resource and conservation team work hard to conserve, protect and maintain the valuable assets in our care, both above and below ground. The MRBTA also supports Aboriginal tourism development and have partnered with Koomal Dreaming at Ngilgi Cave and Cape Cultural Tours at Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse to provide knowledge of local Aboriginal culture relevant to these sites and the region.

Providing a voice for the region through partnerships, industry representation & advocacy Become a valued member We achieve more together and MRBTA regularly works with a range of partners including Chambers of Commerce, the Margaret River Wine Association, City of Busselton, Shire of Augusta Margaret River, South West Development Commission, Australia s South West, Tourism WA and Tourism Australia to promote the region. The MRBTA provides a voice for the industry and representation on issues affecting tourism at the local, state and national level. We give priority to supporting the businesses of our 780+ association members through: A dedicated membership team, providing a direct link between your business and our activities Opportunity to utilise Your Margaret River Region branding assets into your marketing activity A commitment to lobby for sustainable destination development in conjunction with industry stakeholders Opportunity to network with the tourism community through monthly member hosted networking events; exclusive invitations to launches and special offers Regular member e-news and reporting to keep you up to date on the latest research, trends, industry news and opportunities Access to professional development training opportunities, ranging from customer service, social media, business marketing and tourism specific workshops Exclusive access to a member resource site at corporate.margaretriver.com your one stop shop for all your tourism needs including destination videos and image gallery Assistance with designing tourism export ready product and developing travel trade relationships One of my passions is leadership and the power of a positive culture and I admire the leadership of the Margaret River Busselton Tourism Association and its strategy to collaborate with both tourism and non-industry partners. This is influencing a refreshed culture which is benefitting the region. Anthony Janssen, Margaret River Hospitality Group The MRBTA values a 780+ membership base that represents the true DNA of our brand creative, adventurous, social, laid back, yet authentic, connected and diverse businesses and organisations. By becoming a member, not only do you support our activities to grow the region as one of the world s top tourism destinations, you also get the opportunity to make your own mark with the following benefits and services: UNIVERSAL BENEFITS: APPLYING TO ALL MRBTA MEMBERS CORE TOURISM OPERATOR HOLIDAY HOME SHORT- TERM RENTAL RETAILERS & ESSENTIAL SERVICE NON-REGIONAL AFFILIATED TOURISM BUSINESS & OPERATOR ORGANISATIONS Increased visitation to the region through working cooperatively and supporting the work of MRBTA in destination marketing ü ü ü ü ü Increasing visitor satisfaction by supporting MRBTA in providing information, advice and direction to visitors within the region ü ü ü ü ü Exclusive member rates for advertising in the Your Margaret River Region quarterly magazine ü ü ü ü ü Ability to purchase advertising at the 4 Visitor Centres (Augusta, Margaret River, Busselton and Dunsborough) ü ü ü ü ü Invitation to monthly Member Mingles and other networking events ü ü ü ü ü Opportunity to host or co-host Member Mingle networking events to showcase your business ü ü ü ü ü Referral services by MRBTA staff to visitors, industry and the wider member community ü ü ü ü ü Invitations to participate in workshops and professional development opportunities at discounted member rates ü ü ü ü ü No cost access to the online gallery of images & videos of the region ü ü ü ü ü Two free entry passes to each of Ngilgi, Mammoth, Lake & Jewel Caves plus Cape Naturaliste & Cape Leeuwin Lighthouses ü ü ü ü ü Induction program for new members to help you leverage from member opportunities and support services ü ü ü ü ü Representation for our region and business sectors on issues affecting tourism ü ü ü ü ü Voting rights as a member of Margaret River Busselton Tourism Association ü ü ü ü ü Regular MRBTA member e-news and updates ü ü ü ü ü

Select and build a membership package that offers you access to the benefits and services to suit your business CORE TOURISM OPERATOR HOLIDAY HOME SHORT-TERM RENTAL RETAILERS & ESSENTIAL SERVICE MEMBERSHIP S: DESIGNED TO MEET THE NEEDS OF DIFFERENT SECTORS OF THE TOURISM INDUSTRY AND AFFILIATED BUSINESSES Promoting your business to prospective visitors CORE TOURISM OPERATOR HOLIDAY HOME SHORT- TERM RENTAL RETAILERS & ESSENTIAL SERVICE NON-REGIONAL AFFILIATED TOURISM BUSINESS & OPERATOR ORGANISATIONS Ability to use Your Margaret River Region brand ü ü ü ü Your own business page on margaretriver.com ü ü ü ü Opportunities to engage in Your Margaret River Region social media and marketing content üüü ü Opportunities for your products and updates to be included in newsletters to visitors, industry and media üüü ü ü ü Opportunities to participate in promotions and destination campaigns üüü ü ü ü $470 INC GST The principal package for businesses looking to benefit from a broad range of destination marketing and visitor servicing activities $370 INC GST Designed for registered short-term accommodation properties without on-site reception $270 INC GST Designed for tourism related businesses such as retailers and service providers who see visitors as a valuable component of their market mix Opportunities to be included in published itineraries and tailored packages üüü ü ü Opportunities to be included in media and tourism trade familiarisations Access to Your Margaret River Region events calendar to list and promote special events ü ü Informing visitors and directing them to your business üüü Your own Business Page on Your Margaret River Region official App (re-release July 16) ü ü ü NON-REGIONAL TOURISM OPERATOR $270 INC GST Designed for tourism businesses located outside of Your Margaret River Region but wishing to gain exposure and referrals NEW OPPORTUNITY FOR 2016/17 PRICE ON APPLICATION Create a bespoke member service agreement tailored to your business needs and marketing budget. Potential extras may include (see right) AFFILIATED BUSINESS & ORGANISATIONS $170 INC GST Designed for organisations who understand the value of tourism and wish to do business or link with tourism operators and the MRBTA member community MEMBERSHIP ADD-ON +$170 INC GST Designed for businesses that have two or more product/services to promote at the same venue, e.g. winery with restaurant. Includes additional web page, App presence and enhanced map listing Web feature banner on a specified page(s) of the margaretriver.com website for a fixed term A direct link to your own website from your business page on margaretriver.com (applicable to accommodation & tour operators) A range of fixed & digital advertising through in-store promotions in selected Visitor Centres Quarterly web advertising package Pre-booked magazine advertising and editorials feature inclusion Feature in a consumer e-newsletter distributed to the MRBTA visitor database Feature in an MRBTA sponsored blog Assistance in relationship and network building with key decision makers in local & national tourism industry Inclusion of your business on the Your Margaret River Region printed and digital map ü ü Visitors informed about your business at all 4 Visitor Centres ü ü ü ü Accommodation businesses: One DL brochure displayed in the two Visitor Centres closest to the location of your business ü ü Non-accommodation businesses: One DL brochure displayed in all 4 Visitor Centres Opportunities to take part in MRBTA staff familiarisation & product training programs ü ü ü Opportunities to gain feedback from visitors and advice on product ü ü ü ü Bookings and sales of your products Use of the online booking and secure payment system with discounted member commission rates ü ü ü Visitor Centre consultants able to book your products with visitors at all 4 Visitor Centres (accommodation, tours, transport and activities) ü ü ü Visitor Centre consultants able to book your products remotely (phone/web) ü ü ü Booking of visiting groups via MRBTA dedicated group bookings staff ü ü ü Initial 90 min training session on how to use the online booking system ü ü Opportunity to include information about your business in the e-newsletter to members ü ü ü Apply online at corporate.margaretriver.com/ become-a-member For further information or to arrange an appointment contact: ü PETA FUSSELL MEMBERSHIP & SALES COORDINATOR E. peta.fussell@margaretriver.com M. 0407 340 472 MEMBER SUPPORT E. membership@margaretriver.com P. 08 9780 5966

100 Bussell Hwy, Margaret River WA 6285 P. 08 9780 5911 ABN: 62 934 317 700