Regional tourism conference draws near

GREAT Ocean Road Regional Tourism (GORRT) will host this year’s edition of its Regional Tourism Conference in Warrnambool.

To be held in September, the event will have the theme “Great Expectations”. Tickets are on sale now.

The full-day conference next month will cover topics such as purpose, sustainability, inclusion, and the visitor experience and promises to provide actionable advice and learning for those who attend to be able to apply immediately in their businesses.

The speaker line-up includes industry experts from Visit Victoria, Tourism Australia, Google, and many more, offering expert, practical tips for businesses on things such as customer service, managing your online reputation and social media trends.

“The conference is a great chance for businesses to come together to be inspired, to learn, to share ideas and to connect,” GORRT general manager Liz Price said.

“We have a fabulous line-up of speakers to share current trends, tips and tricks to help business better navigate customer demand and expectations.”

Warrnambool City mayor Debbie Arnott said the tourism industry more than any other needed to stay up-to-date on the latest trends and data about customer expectations.

“Tourism is a key pillar of our economy in South West Victoria, and we are very proud to be supporting this event to help our local businesses continue to thrive.”

Along with practical skills and learning, the event will be followed by a networking function at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum, including the sound and light show.

Great Ocean Road Regional Tourism have partnered with Warrnambool Bus Lines and Budj Bim Cultural Landscape Tourism to offer industry familiarisation tour to Tae Rak Aquaculture Centre on September 6, encouraging those participating to stay an extra night in Warrnambool. Places are limited and can only be booked with a conference ticket.

Supported by the state government, the conference’s other sponsors and partners include Regional Development Australia, Warrnambool City, Tourism Australia, Ace Radio network, Warrnambool Bus Lines, Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village and Museum, Budj Bim Cultural Landscape Tourism, The Lady Bay Resort and Deep Blue Hotel and Hot Springs.

The GORRT Regional Tourism Conference will be held at the Lighthouse Theatre, Warrnambool on September 5.

For more information or to book ticket, head to greatoceanroadtourism.org.au/gorrt-conference-2023