MEMBERSHIP PROSPECTUS 2018/19 Central Wheatbelt Visitor Centre

MEMBERSHIP PROSPECTUS 2018/19 Central Wheatbelt Visitor Centre

Central Wheatbelt Visitor Centre Membership Prospectus ABOUT US The Central Wheatbelt Visitor Centre (CWVC) is a not-for-profit visitor centre under the administration of the Shire of Merredin and is the key point of contact for visitors to the Eastern Wheatbelt Region. The Visitor Centre is a Level 2 Accredited Tourism Business and Golden i Visitor Centre under the membership of Tourism Councils Australian Tourism Accreditation Program (ATAP). The Region we service comprises of 20 local governments including the 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 CWVC has strong relationships with government bodies, our regional tourism organisation - Australia s Golden Outback (AGO), Tourism WA (TWA), Tourism Council WA (TCWA), the Visitor Centre Association of Western Australia (VCAWA) and the Eastern Wheatbelt sub-regional tourism group. 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 Responding to visitor email and phone enquiries for Eastern Wheatbelt stakeholders 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 Agent for Transwa rail and road coach bookings and information Seniors Transwa rail tourism/event packages Retail sales and regional product marketing and promotion Provision of Roman i signage and support to regional visitor information points Strategic marketing (state and national industry level) E-Trike hire Agent for WA Park Passes - annual and concession Maintain and keep current the regional website www.wheatbelttourism.com Maintain and keep current the WEROC App and website www.weroc.com.au P a g e 1

MARKETING ACTIVITIES Eastern Wheatbelt Holiday Planner: Explore the Eastern Wheatbelt WA A Visitors Guide The Visitor Centre coordinates the advertisers and prints 25,000 copies of this key regional annual holiday planner for NewTravel Inc, Roe Tourism Association, WEROC member shires and member shires of Cunderdin and Tammin. Ryan Wilson from Raw Creative has worked with us for four editions and is our current graphic designer. Ryan also designs for Australia s Golden Outback. Advertising support from Eastern Wheatbelt regional tourism businesses, local governments, stakeholders and sub-regional tourism groups makes this annual reprint possible. The Eastern Wheatbelt Holiday Planner is distributed by Tourism Marketing and Promotions (TMP) Vanguard Press Distribution Perth tmp.vanguardpress.com.au to: Over 60 WA Visitor Centres located throughout the State 75 Metro hire and rental companies Visitor information points outside the Eastern Wheatbelt The Eastern Wheatbelt Holiday Planner is distributed by the CWVC to: All advertisers The 20 Eastern Wheatbelt shires, their visitor centres and/or visitor information points All financial members of the Central Wheatbelt Visitor Centre All accommodation providers in Merredin The Eastern Wheatbelt Holiday Planner is racked by the visitor centre at: The Central Wheatbelt Visitor Centre Selected Merredin businesses with extended business hours Perth Caravan & Camping Show AGO/Wheatbelt Stands Interstate Trade Shows if visitor centre staff attend The brochure has been tailored to suit local WA travellers in addition to interstate and international travellers whether they are self-drive/rvs, fly-drive market or special interest groups (Perth market) escaping the city for weekends, school holidays or extended breaks. The Eastern Wheatbelt Holiday Planner is a valuable marketing tool for your business and as well as containing an array of activities and itineraries while exploring the Eastern Wheatbelt region, it also offers visitors choices for accommodation, hospitality, tours and attractions. The Central Wheatbelt Visitor Centre strives to keep this publication current and seeks to add new features annually to value add to the visitors experience. As a member you are entitled to discount advertising space in the Eastern Wheatbelt Holiday Planner. P a g e 2

Explore Merredin The Visitor Centre coordinates the advertisers and prints 12,000 copies of this dedicated Merredin brochure. Advertising support from Merredin tourism businesses and service providers make this brochure possible. This brochure is distributed by the Central Wheatbelt Visitor Centre to: All advertisers Merredin tourism and hospitality businesses The 20 Eastern Wheatbelt shires, their visitor centres and visitor information points Cross regional visitor centres and visitor information points Other WA visitor centres as requested The Explore Merredin brochure is racked by the visitor centre at: The Central Wheatbelt Visitor Centre Selected Merredin businesses with extended business hours Perth Caravan & Camping Show AGO/Wheatbelt Stands Interstate Trade Shows if Visitor Centre staff attend Trade Shows Perth Caravan & Camping Show - Annual Australia s Golden Outback / Wheatbelt Promotion The Eastern Wheatbelt Tourism Group and the Discovering Golden Horizons share an annual Wheatbelt booth as part of the Australia s Golden Outback stand. AGO has won the Best Stand Award 2 years running being 2017 and 2018. The attendance to the show was 47,336 over 5 days for 2018. The Visitor Centre provides staff annually to attend and assist in promoting the Eastern Wheatbelt as a tourism destination by: Coordinating a roster of volunteers from the Eastern Wheatbelt sub-regional Tourism Groups attending the Wheatbelt booth. Attending on behalf of the Shire of Merredin, Central Wheatbelt Visitor Centre members, WEROC Shires and the member Shires of Cunderdin and Tammin and Pioneers Pathway. Attending the 5 day show including Wheatbelt stand set-up and bump-out. P a g e 3

Other Interstate Trade Shows The Visitor Centre staff attended the NSW Caravan & Camping Super Show in Sydney in 2013, 2014 and 2015 and the VIC Caravan & Camping Show in Melbourne in 2018 on behalf of Australia s Golden Outback for Tourism WA. Staff will continue to attend if available and with the support of the Shire of Merredin on behalf of Australia s Golden Outback for Tourism WA. Australia s Golden Outback Website Live Chat CWVC staff will continue to participate in the AGO 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 web-email chat. Eastern Wheatbelt Regional Banner Eastern Wheatbelt Tourism Groups have a regional Wheatbelt Banner cooperatively funded with Australia s Golden Outback. It is available for Eastern Wheatbelt cooperative marketing promotions. The Banner is used for: Wheatbelt promotional stand on the AGO stand at the Perth Caravan & Camping Show. Dowerin Field Days and other regional promotional opportunities as required. A perennial display in the front window of the Visitor Centre when not in use. Co-operative Australia s Golden Outback Advertising Campaigns The Visitor Centre co-ordinates for the Eastern Wheatbelt sub-regional tourism groups including: Regional print media and digital marketing campaigns. Provides a Call to Action number (1300 736 283) for use with authorised AGO/Wheatbelt cooperative marketing campaigns Brochure mail-outs in response to calls from marketing campaigns. Invoice the sub-regional Tourism Groups annually for shared mail-out postage. Receive and process all visitor information requests from prospective visitors to the region in a timely manner. P a g e 4

Merredin Tourism Packages The CWVC will coordinate group bookings if required including: Transwa pension concession/free pass rail package Group/Club visitor packages Conference packages Accommodation/meals packages Tours and transfer packages Cummins Theatre event packages Regional Tourism Packages *NEW* The Visitor Centre has a new webpage (www.wheatbelttourism.com/packages) for regional self-drive tourism packages with participating tourism businesses. These will generate a 10% commission for the Visitor Centre for bookings through this webpage. WEROC App and Website The app and website is a business tool for businesses in the Wheatbelt East Regional Organisation of Councils (WEROC) which comprises the 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 FREE business listing 2018/19 FY for all WEROC Shire businesses www.weroc.com.au Regional Events The Visitor Centre Tourism Officer coordinates regional events information and posters from 20 Eastern Wheatbelt shires and organisations for distribution via: A monthly events e-newsletter sent regionally to over 420 email addresses (expanding) Displaying regional events posters on the Visitor Centre public notice board Displaying regional public information on the Merredin public notice boards Timely updates for the calendar of events on www.wheatbelttourism.com/events CWVC social media promotions on Facebook and Instagram A feature within the WEROC App on Android and Apple devises (WEROC Shires Only) Promoting the Wheatbelt Business Network (WBN) Business After Hours (BAH s) regional events Merredin Events The Visitor Centre Tourism Officer coordinates local events information and posters on display at strategic locations such as but not limited to: Merredin CBD and Shire services in A3 Poster Frames on Barrack and Bates Street E-sign on the roof of the CWVC building Merredin public notice boards in Barrack Street Calendar of events on www.wheatbelttourism.com/events Visitor centre social media Facebook promotions A feature within the WEROC App on Android and Apple devises (WEROC Shires Only) Promoting the Wheatbelt Business Network (WBN) Business After Hours (BAH s) events in Merredin P a g e 5

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 The Central Wheatbelt Visitor Centre is in a prime central location to service Merredin and the Eastern Wheatbelt regional local governments, their towns, tourism businesses, attractions and events. A regional hub Visitor Centre and call to action for AGO/Eastern Wheatbelt cooperative marketing campaigns. The Visitor Centre is one of four Australia s Golden Outback visitor centre participants available for Live Chat or email from the AGO website to potential visitors to our region. Staff 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 racking space for your brochures and marketing material. Preference for group bookings referrals and regional tourism packages. P a g e 6

ONLINE BENEFITS Presence on the Wheatbelt Tourism website www.wheatbelttourism.com which receives an average of 5,000 visits per month. Website is mobile responsive and displays and scales 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 160000 Visitation www.wheatbelttourism.com 140000 120000 127596 118580 137744 132596 126346 100000 80000 60000 40000 20000 0 83306 65957 65444 57834 56994 59808 55402 52124 48480 49199 43613 27717 25009 6203 8450 4867 2708 5710 6145 Site Visits Page Views Australian Visits International Visits 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 P a g e 7

SUPPORT TOURISM & SUPPORT YOUR COMMUNITY By becoming a member of the Central Wheatbelt Visitor Centre you are supporting the local and regional tourism industry - which is critical for the economy of the 20 Eastern Wheatbelt shires and their towns. The 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 eligible members to gain accreditation. We can assist your business with the set up and application process. If you are interested please contact us by emailing 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: Gives your business a competitive edge and provides both consumers and industry with an assurance that the accredited tourism business is committed to quality business practice and professionalism. 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 (see logo right), providing a competitive marketing advantage and increased customer confidence Useful business tools and templates to assist in best practice management 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 P a g e 8

MEMBER RESPONSIBILITIES Visitor Centre 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 Visitor Centre staff to inspect your property / business / attraction so we understand the way YOU want it promoted. Ensure that you provide the Visitor Centre with a constant supply of your brochure. By becoming a member you agree to abide by the Eastern Wheatbelt Strategic Tourism Plan 2015-2017 Reviewed and Extended to 2020. By becoming a member you agree to abide by the Merredin Tourism Plan 2018 (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, stakeholders, 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 Shall endeavour to treat all its members, sponsors, industry bodies and partners equally. Reserves the right to change its services, marketing and business plan to meet the expectations of its members, sponsors, industry bodies and partners. Advises 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. Advises 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. 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, stakeholders and tourism industry bodies and partners. P a g e 9

MEMBERSHIP LEVELS LEVEL 1 LEVEL 2 LEVEL 3 LEVEL 4 FEE BENEFITS $170 ex GST $120 ex GST $80 ex GST $50 ex GST 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 Membership business listing on webpage www.wheatbelttourism.com/membership/our-members Opportunity for inclusion in cooperative marketing activities Eligibility to business listing discount in new Merredin Brochure (Merredin members 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 (WEROC) App and www.weroc.com.au (WEROC businesses only) See WEROC App and website on page 5. Eligibility to advertise business specials and package deals on new Wheatbelt East Regional Organisation of Councils (WEROC) App (WEROC businesses only) Priority consideration for cooperative marketing opportunities and tourism famils Priority placement of business advertisement in annual Eastern Wheatbelt Holiday Planner Have your Tourism Council of WA Australian Tourism Accreditation Program (ATAP) accreditation tick displayed on your business listing on our website One free business profile in our E-Newsletter per annum Eligibility to discount advertising in annual Eastern Wheatbelt Holiday Planner Eligibility to one free additional business listing if listed in two categories in annual Eastern Wheatbelt Holiday Planner *Note Level 4 is an AFFILIATE MEMBERSHIP for Not-For-Profit Museum or Attraction which is Full LEVEL 1 Membership Benefits. P a g e 10

Central Wheatbelt Visitor Centre Membership Prospectus MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION Business Name Trading Name Business Address Postal Address Main Contact Name ABN Phone Email Website Address Street Town Box ACCOUNTS CONTACT Name Email Town BUSINESS SOCIAL MEDIA PROFILES Mobile Post Code Post Code Facebook Twitter Pinterest Instagram Other 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