MEMBERSHIP PROSPECTUS 2017/2018 CENTRAL WHEATBELT VISITOR CENTRE

MEMBERSHIP PROSPECTUS 2017/2018 CENTRAL WHEATBELT VISITOR CENTRE

Central Wheatbelt Visitor Centre Membership Prospectus ABOUT US The Central Wheatbelt Visitor Centre is a not-for-profit, Level 2 Accredited Visitor Centre that is the peak point of contact for visitors to the Eastern Wheatbelt Region. The Region we service comprises of 20 Local Governments including Shires of Bruce Rock, Corrigin, Cunderdin, Dowerin, Kellerberrin, Kondinin, Koorda, Kulin, Lake Grace, Merredin, Mt Marshall, Mukinbudin, Narembeen, Nungarin, Quairading, Tammin, Trayning, Westonia, Wyalkatchem and Yilgarn. The Central Wheatbelt Visitor Centre funding will be sourced from Membership Fees and Local Government Contributions. Our services include, but are not limited to: Visitor Servicing Respond to Visitor Email and Phone enquiries for the EW Promotion of Local and Regional Businesses and Attractions Promotion of Local and Regional Accommodation and Tours Promotion of Local and Regional Events Cummins Theatre Bookings Transwa Rail and Road Coach Bookings and Information Seniors Rail Tourism/Event Packages Retail Sales and Regional Product Marketing and Promotion Provision of Signage and Support to Regional Visitor Information Points Strategic Marketing (State and National Industry Level) Strong relationships with government bodies, our RTO Australia s Golden Outback (AGO) and Tourism WA E-Trike Hire WA Park Passes Annual and Concession Maintain and keep current the regional website www.wheatbelttourism.com Maintain and keep current the WEROC App and www.weroc.com.au P a g e 1 12

MARKETING ACTIVITIES Eastern Wheatbelt Holiday Planner: Edition 4 CWVC coordinates and prints 25,000 copies of The Eastern Wheatbelt WA A Visitors Guide which is the key regional annual holiday planner for NewTravel, Roe Tourism, WEROC Shires and member Shires of Cunderdin and Tammin. Advertising support from Eastern Wheatbelt regional tourism businesses, shires and tourism groups makes this brochure possible. The Holiday Planner is distributed by Tourism Marketing and Promotions (TMP) Perth to: Over 60 WA Visitor Centres Metro hire and rental companies Shires outside the Eastern Wheatbelt The Holiday Planner is distributed by the CWVC to: All advertisers The 20 Eastern Wheatbelt Shires, their visitor centres or information points All members of the Central Wheatbelt Visitor Centre All accommodation providers in Merredin Racked at selected businesses with extended business hours on Barrack and Bates Street, Merredin Perth Caravan & Camping Show The brochure has been tailored to suit the interstate and intra state self-drive/rv and fly-drive market and the intra state selfdrive/rv s/families escaping the city for weekends or extended periods. The EWVG is a valuable marketing tool for your business as well as featuring an array of things to do and see while in the Eastern Wheatbelt region, it also offers visitors information about accommodation, hospitality, attractions and recreational suggestions and self-drive itineraries. The CWVC strives to keep this publication current and seeks to add new features annually to value add to the visitor experience. As a member you are entitled to discount advertising space in the EW Holiday Planner. P a g e 2 12

Explore Merredin The CWVC coordinated and printed 12,000 copies of this first dedicated Merredin brochure in May 2017. Advertising support from Merredin tourism businesses and service providers made this brochure possible. This brochure is distributed by the CWVC to: All advertisers Merredin tourism businesses The 20 Eastern Wheatbelt Shires, their visitor centres and information points Cross regional visitor centres and information points Other WA Visitor Centres as requested Perth Caravan & Camping Show Trade Shows Annual AGO/Wheatbelt Promotion AGO Website Live Chat *NEW* The Eastern Wheatbelt Tourism Group and the Discovering Golden Horizons shires share an annual Wheatbelt booth as part of the Australia s Golden Outback stand. The CWVC provides staff to attend annually and assist to promote the Eastern Wheatbelt as a tourism destination. The CWVC coordinates a regional roster from our EW Tourism Groups for volunteers attending Perth Caravan and Camping Show. CWVC staff attend on behalf of the 20 Eastern Wheatbelt Shires over 5 days including stand set-up and bump-out. Perth Caravan & Camping Show 2017 Attendance 47,928 over 5 days. NSW Caravan & Camping Super Show Staff attended in Sydney in 2013, 2014 & 2015. Other Interstate Trade Shows - CWVC staff will attend if available with the support of the Shire of Merredin, on behalf of and sponsored by Australia s Golden Outback. CWVC staff participate in AGO new customer service tool - a dedicated Live Chat System and another way to speak directly to prospective customers with an opportunity to encourage visitors to our region through email chat. P a g e 3 12

Regional Banner For the first time in March 2017 the CWVC in cooperation with the 3 EW Tourism Groups had a regional Wheatbelt Banner created by Raw Creative (EWVG & AGO Annual Holiday Planner). The Banner is used for: Wheatbelt display on the AGO stand at the Perth Caravan & Camping Show. Dowerin Field Days and other regional promotional opportunities as required. It is housed on display in the front window of the CWVC when not in use. Wheatbelt/ AGO Co-operative Advertising Campaigns The CWVC co-ordinates regional campaigns with AGO for the EW Call to Action (1300 736 283) for regional brochure mail-outs and EW Receive and process information requests from prospective visitors to the region in a timely manner Invoice the EW Tourism Groups annually for mail-out postage Merredin Tourism Packages The CWVC will coordinate Group Bookings if required including: Transwa Pension Concession/Free Pass Rail Packages Group/Club Visitor Packages Conference Packages Accommodation/Meals Packages Tours and Transfer Packages Cummins Theatre Event Packages P a g e 4 12

WEROC App *NEW* A business tool for businesses in the Wheatbelt East Regional Organisation of Councils (WEROC) Shires of Bruce Rock, Kellerberrin, Merredin, Westonia and Yilgarn (Southern Cross). Business listing with a Google Map reference A Call Us, Email Directions and Website button from your business listing Launched August 2017 FREE business listing 2017/18 FY WEROC website www.weroc.com.au coming soon Regional Events The CWVC Tourism Officer coordinates regional events information and posters from regional shires and organisations for distribution: A monthly Events e-newsletter regionally to over 390 email addresses (expanding) Displays Regional Events posters on the CWVC Public Notice Board Displays Regional Public Information on the Merredin Public Notice Board Timely updates for the Calendar of Events on www.wheatbelttourism.com/events CWVC Social Media promotions Feature within WEROC App Android and Apple devises (WEROC Shires Only) Promote Wheatbelt Business Network (WBN) Business After Hours (BAH s) Events Merredin Events The CWVC Tourism Officer coordinates local events information and posters Displayed on A3 Poster Frames located throughout the Merredin CBD E-sign on the roof of the CWVC building Merredin Public Notice Boards Timely updates for the Calendar of Events on www.wheatbelttourism.com/events CWVC Social Media promotions Feature within WEROC App Android and Apple devises (WEROC Shires Only) P a g e 5 12

VISION To develop the Eastern Wheatbelt as a tourism destination. MISSION Foster the Eastern Wheatbelt tourism industry through leadership, collaboration, marketing and industry engagement. WHY JOIN? To strengthen tourism in the Eastern Wheatbelt. CENTRE BENEFITS CWVC is in a prime central location to service Merredin and the Eastern Wheatbelt regional towns, tourism businesses, attractions and events. A regional hub Visitor Centre and call to action for AGO cooperative marketing campaigns. CWVC one of four AGO visitor centres participants available for Live Chat or email from AGO website to potential visitors to our region. We can recommend your business by direct over the counter, phone and email referrals which total around 10,000 visitors a year. Your business will receive prime display space for your brochures and marketing material. Preference for group bookings and tourism packages. From Our Visitors Book One of the best arrays of tourist brochures seen throughout Australia Ever so cheerful and friendly staff Excellent info service Very helpful people with lots of advice Really good selection of information not just advertising for the state Very interesting centre, friendly staff Helpful, friendly staff Excellent oral and printed information One of the best accredited Visitor Centres we have seen, superb P a g e 6 12

ONLINE BENEFITS Presence on the Wheatbelt Tourism website www.wheatbelttourism.com which receives an average of 5,000 visits per month. Received a refresh and user friendly upgrade in February 2017 making the site easier to navigate. Website is mobile friendly and shall display and scale correctly on popular mobile devices, including tablets. Website presence includes images, business details, logo, and direct links to both your website and email address. Website updates and images are uploaded in a prompt and timely manner keeping information current and relevant. Presence and engagement on our expanding social media networks. Access to comprehensive regional visitor information and brochures. Website Statistics www.wheatbelttourism.com www.facebook.com/cwvcmerredin Trip Advisor Reviews "Extremely friendly and helpful" 5 Stars 16 July 2017 Reviewed by Elizabeth bucholz We have totally relied on visitor information centres on our travels in Western Australia. At Merredin the staff went above and beyond in helping us find a B&B. Robin was amazing phoning for us and explaining where to go and giving us options. We chose an incredible place to stay wish it could have been longer. Thank you Merredin visitor centre Booklets to tour 5 Stars June 2017 Reviewed by Jenny S Perth, Australia We went in for a look and to ask the times for the Railway Museum. Very helpful staff and also lots of hand crafted items for sale. Cheaper than Perth prices. Picked up lots of interesting books for future travel in West Australia. A very good array of items to purchase - books, craft and lotions. Also have 3 wheeler electric bikes for hire. Would stop in there again. Plenty of information 4 Stars June 2017 Reviewed by tina p Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia An unimposing building near the town's car park area and friendly staff. Plenty of information available if you wish to explore the Wheatbelt. P a g e 7 12

MEMBERSHIP LEVELS LEVEL 1 $170 ex GST LEVEL 2 $120 ex GST LEVEL 3 $80 ex GST FEE BENEFITS Direct over the counter referrals to an average of 10,000 visitors a year Receive FREE AGO Bronze Membership benefits (normally $75 inc GST) Website business listing with one image and 150/100/50 words which includes: business details, logo, and direct links to your email and website CWVC Membership identification on business listing on website Opportunity for inclusion in cooperative marketing activities. Eligibility to business listing discount in new Merredin Brochure (Merredin Only) Receipt of quarterly E-newsletter and website Analytical reports Eligibility for free 12 months business listing on new Wheatbelt East Regional Organisation of Councils App and www.weroc.com.au (WEROC businesses) Eligibility to advertise business specials and package deals on new Wheatbelt East Regional Organisation of Councils App at additional cost (WEROC Only) Priority consideration for marketing opportunities and tourism famils Priority placement of business listing in annual EW Holiday Planner Have your TCWA ATAP accreditation tick displayed on your business listing on our website One free business profile in our E-Newsletter Eligibility to discount advertising in annual EW Holiday Planner Eligibility to one free additional business listing if listed in two categories in annual EW Holiday Planner P a g e 8 12

MEMBERSHIP LEVELS - Continued LEVEL 4 $50 ex GST AFFILIATE MEMBERSHIP for Not-For-Profit Museum or Attraction Full LEVEL 1 Membership Benefits SUPPORT TOURISM AND SUPPORT YOUR COMMUNITY By becoming a member of Central Wheatbelt Visitor Centre you are supporting the local tourism industry - which is critical for the economy of the Eastern Wheatbelt towns. Flow on effects of visitors to our towns is what keeps our businesses doors open and our communities vibrant and liveable. ACCREDITATION The Central Wheatbelt Visitor Centre, will encourage each of our members to gain accreditation. We can assist your business with the set up and application process. If you are interested, please contact us on visitor@merredin.wa.gov.au The Australian Tourism Accreditation Program (ATAP) is a national business development program that is suitable for all business types and sizes. It provides businesses with the necessary tools and resources to develop and update policies and procedures to ensure ongoing best practice and customer satisfaction. The highly recognisable Tourism Accreditation Trust the Tick logo signifies that a business is a quality assured tourism operator to customers. Tourism Council WA s professional team of industry advisors can provide accreditation, training, education and coaching support to give your business the tourism advantage. Tourism Accreditation: Give your business a competitive edge by completing the Australian Tourism Accreditation Program. ATAP will give you and your customers the confidence that your business complies with the following: Adherence to industry standards and codes of practice Compliance with business and industry regulations Development and implementation of business and marketing plans Implementation of policy and procedures relating to human resources, customer service, risk management and the environment Once Completed: Your business will receive a whole suite of benefits which include the following: Use of the Trust the Tick logo, providing a competitive marketing advantage and increased customer confidence Useful business tools and templates to assist in best practice management P a g e 9 12

Access to discounted training workshops, tourism advice, consulting and statistics and analysis Support through State and National marketing activities and campaigns encouraging travellers to trust the tick Exclusive listing on consumer website www.trustthetick.com.au Supplied postage paid customer feedback forms Complimentary Bronze Membership of Tourism Council WA and all associated benefits Eligibility to enter the industry s premier awards program, the WA Tourism Awards MEMBER RESPONSIBILITIES CWVC staff to be informed about product s features, facilities, prices, times of operation, contact details, change of ownership or close of business etc. Invite the CWVC Staff to inspect your property / business / attraction so we understand the way YOU want it promoted. Ensure that you provide the CWVC with a constant supply of your brochure. By becoming a member you agree to abide by the Eastern Wheatbelt Strategic Tourism Plan 2015-2017. By becoming a member you agree to abide by the Merredin Tourism Plan 2016-17 (Merredin members only). CODE OF ETHICS The Shire of Merredin trading as Central Wheatbelt Visitor Centre acknowledges its responsibilities to meet the reasonable expectations of its Membership Base, Sponsors and Tourism Industry Bodies and Partners to the best of its abilities. The Central Wheatbelt Visitor Centre acknowledges that this includes any individual or business desirous of using or receiving the goods or services of the Central Wheatbelt Visitor Centre The Central Wheatbelt Visitor Centre shall endeavour to treat all its members, sponsors, industry bodies and partners equally. The Central Wheatbelt Visitor Centre reserves the right to change its Services, Marketing and Business Plan to meet the expectations of its members, sponsors, industry bodies and partners. All advertising and promotional activities that are the responsibility of the Central Wheatbelt Visitor Centre reflect the true picture as at the time of the release or promotion of the advertising and materials. All reasonable concerns and queries addressed to the Central Wheatbelt Visitor Centre will be fairly and amicably dealt with according to the Shire of Merredin s Customer Service Charter. The Central Wheatbelt Visitor Centre will, so far as is reasonably able, present its affairs in the best possible way and shall exercise all reasonable care in addressing its commitment to its Members, Sponsors and Tourism Industry Bodies and Partners. P a g e 10 12

MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION Business Name Trading Name Business Address Postal Address Main Contact Name ABN Street Town Box Town Post Code Post Code Phone Fax Email Website Address ACCOUNTS CONTACT Name Email BUSINESS SOCIAL MEDIA PROFILES Facebook Twitter Pinterest MEMBERSHIP LEVEL Level 1 $187 Level 2 $132 Level 3 $88 Level 4 Affiliate $55 (inclusive of GST) PRIVACY STATEMENT The Central Wheatbelt Visitor Centre will not disclose any of the information you have provided, without your consent. Please indicate if you are happy for your CONTACT DETAILS ONLY to be released. Please tick: Yes, I authorise the CWVC to disclose my contact details to interested organisations No, I do not authorise the CWVC to disclose my contact details to interested organisations visitor@merredin.wa.gov.au (08) 9041 1666 85 Barrack Street PO Box 42 Merredin WA 6415 www.wheatbelttourism.com P a g e 11 12

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