Empowering regional development, networking and building positive relationships were on agenda at the recent Tourism Showcase for 50 Scenic Rim operators.
Facilitated by Scenic Rim Regional Council at eco-accredited O’Reilly’s Canungra Valley Vineyards, the forum welcomed a diverse range of attendees including local alpaca farmers, adventure tourism operators and boutique accommodation providers to name a few.
Robyn Lee of Greenlee Farm (centre), Tessa Taft and Lisa Bradley of Oz Paragliding and Hang Gliding.
Tamil Mani of O'Reilly's Canungra Valley Vineyards.
Pauline Hepburn, Deirdrie Tehan, Kathy Coles, Freda and David Neradil, Ray and Joanne Ellis of Tuckers Retreat.
Scenic Rim Mayor Greg Christensen.
Angela Kavanagh and Bettina Valentine of Getaway Day Spa.
David Neradil of Tucker’s Retreat.
Kate Simpson of Canungra House and Scenic Rim Cr Virginia West.
General Manager, Customer & Regional Prosperity, Debra Howe.
Deputy Mayor Cr Duncan McInnes, Rathdowney VIC’s June Richards, Margaret Salisbury, Louise Pacey, Tony Ward.
Tourism Development Officer Brent Randall.
Daniela and David Kennedy, Witches Falls Cottages, Lisa Bradley, Oz Paragliding and Hang Gliding.
Coordinator Cultural Services Bronwyn Davies.
Peter Jaques, Cork ‘n Fork Tours and Tharina Haas, Brother & Co.
Manager Regional Prosperity and Communications Brenda Walker.
The Scenic Rim Tourism Showcase at O'Reilly's Canungra Valley Vineyards.
Tharina Haas, Brother & Co.
Holly and Peter Rea, Hampton Estate Wines, Richard Wistow, Avocado Sunset.
David Neradil, Tucker’s Retreat.
Manager Regional Prosperity and Communications Brenda Walker, Matt Smith of The Tourism Smith, Trish Wilson, Country Mile Escape.
Andrew Bonney, On the Edge Events.
Keynote presentations consisted of successful tourism operators who shared first-hand case studies, highlighting valuable business insights and learnings.
Presentations included the upcoming Arts Ablaze – a multi-faceted regional arts and culture celebration hosted in Kooralbyn this October.
Also present were representatives from Brisbane Marketing and various tourism and creative agencies geared with knowledge and collateral to help operators grow their businesses.
Scenic Rim Regional Council Mayor Greg Christensen expressed the importance of regional connections and collaborations, referring to Scenic Rim Eat Local Week as a brilliant example of collective marketing efforts.
The forum was also an opportunity to highlight Council’s suite of educational programs and support systems available for local tourism operators such as the Scenic Rim Business Excellence Awards, Eat Local Scenic Rim Accredited Locavore program and Women in Rural, Regional and Remote Enterprises (WiRE) program.
Due to positive feedback, Council’s passion to unite the region’s operators through product packaging, cross-referral and regional itineraries will continue to be showcased on a quarterly basis.
