OFFICE
10 Longbeach Avenue
Coolum Beach
Queensland 4573
Australia
PHONE:
(07) 5446 1318
FACSIMILE:
(07) 5446 1503
INTERNAT.PHONE
61+7+ 5446 1318
INTERNATIONAL FAX
61+7+ 5446 1503
POSTAL ADDRESS
PO Box 26
Coolum Beach
QLD 4573
Australia
EMAIL
gull@ozemail.com.au

 

 

Planning a Tourism Association
Updated 08-12-2003 14:34

During the past decade, along with the growth and development of the nation's tourism industry, many new sub-regional and local tourism associations have been formed.

However, while some of these organisations are effective, recent research indicates that an increasing number of localised tourism bodies are being established with no clear action plan (other than perhaps printing a brochure), and/or are simply duplicating the activities of existing tourism organisations.

When planning a new tourism association, rarely is adequate consideration given to all the issues involved, and whether in fact another tourism organisation can be justified.

Frequently the formation of this type of organisation is based on nothing more than 'it seemed like a good idea at the time', whereas there are a number of key questions which need to be addressed before establishing the association.
What are the clearly identified reasons for establishing the association?

  • What will the association do that cannot be done by an existing tourism organisation in the region?

  • What would be the specific objectives of the organisation?

  • What is a realistic estimate of the number of potential members?

  • What benefits will be provided for members?

  • What will be the membership fee scale, i.e. full members, associate members, other categories?

  • What other sources of funding and in-kind support will be available?

  • What does the association intend to achieve in Years 1 to 3 (Action Plan)?

  • What will it cost to administer the association and implement the Action Plan?
    a) Will adequate financial and other resources be available to implement the Action Plan?
    b) If not, how will these resources be established?

  • Will funding be available to sustain the association in the longer term?

  • Is there a sufficient level of commitment from everyone involved to ensure ongoing support for the association, and effective operation.

  • What representation will make up the committee?
    a) Is it intended that the association will be an incorporated body
    b) If not, are the legal implications understood by the committee members?

  • Is it feasible to form the association?

    This list of questions is not exhaustive, and there may be other local or regional considerations. Nevertheless, initiating a new organisation in an industry which already has an abundance of associations, requires careful deliberation if yet more public money is not to be wasted.

    Comments on this newsletter are invited. E-mail us at robtonge@powerup.com.au

    This material is Copyright but may be used freely, provided acknowledgment is given to:
    Rob Tonge & Associates

       Rob Tonge

    print version -»

    		•