The February Member Mingle was jam-packed with over 120 members enjoying an evening in the stunning, newly-renovated space at Swings & Roundabouts Yallingup Cellar Door.
During the evening, Amanda Keady, sales and marketing manager at Swings, provided an update on these renovations which includes a greater capacity for functions including weddings and more intimate events. The doors were open to peek at the VIP Tasting Room and many members found themselves enjoying the balmy weather out on the ‘swings’. Both of these spaces are set to become bookable experiences in the near future so keep an ear open for more news from Swings!
This mingle was co-hosted with Tourism Council of WA, one of our key industry partners with a remit that is wide-reaching. Tourism Council of WA does important work in promoting the value that tourism brings to WA’s economy, advocating industry policy, providing industry accreditation, the State tourism awards, and upskilling members through training. Leslee Hall, Corporate Affairs Manger at TCWA, updated attendees on some of this work including:
- Securing increased funding for Tourism WA in the State Budget and advocating to the Federal Government to increase secure tourism funding Australia-wide;
- advocacy and support to assist the tourism industry in facing the challenges posed by the bushfire crisis and the escalating Coronvirus situation;
- completed a major inquiry and submission recommending state regulation of short-stay accommodation which has been accepted. TCWA will now meet with Government to look at conditions and actions at a local level;
- raising concerns about unlicensed charter operators with Tourism, Planning and Environment ministers;
- continued facilitation of the Tourism Pulse Survey and Tourism Accreditation Program;
- future focus of TCWA is continued advocacy for Federal and State funding for tourism, particularly in the field of sustainable tourism and investment in key public attractions such as Busselton Jetty.
Lastly, Jenny Lee, Interim Group Manager (Marketing) and Tourism Services Manager at MRBTA, reminded members that we are just 4 weeks away from the inaugural Melbourne to Busselton flight and provided updates on the work that is being done by MRBTA and other regional stakeholders in preparation. Exciting news is happening with the regional brand and you will be invited to workshops to provide feedback from 16 March.
Please enjoy some snaps from the evening in the gallery below and we hope to see you at the next one on March 26th at Bettenay’s Margaret River.
Thank you to all that attended and a huge thank you to Swings & Roundabouts for hosting us.
