Destination Gippsland - A page for tourism businesses

18/06/2024

I met Natalie today at the Choose Tourism Expo. It was great to hear that she will be visiting the and will be enjoying the &Adventures Stargazing & the Magical Milky Way Boat Tour and at Metung for Fire & Ice.

17/06/2024

Looking forward to the day ahead. DG is representing East Gippsland Shire, Baw Baw Shire, South Gippsland Shire,Wellington Shire and Latrobe City at the Choose Tourism Expo.
Great to be set up beside Bass Coast Shire.

13/06/2024

Destination Gippsland is seeking feedback from Gippsland tourism operators who have undertaken or provided training to staff through the TYPSY platform. https://www.typsy.com/
We invite you to please contact Janine Hayes with information about your experience. Thank you in advance. [email protected]

05/06/2024

Destination Gippsland’s role is to inspire, influence and lead positive tourism outcomes through partnerships across Gippsland.

As part of delivering those positive tourism outcomes Destination Gippsland is seeking your feedback through this 15-minute survey.

Your thoughts and ideas are valuable to us and through sharing them, they will be used to shape our decision making on the regional tourism services that we provide.

The survey is divided into four parts, about your business, marketing, events and industry development.
Click on the link https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/7Y5M575 or scan the QR code.

All responses will be collected anonymously and reported as grouped rather than individual responses.

Through your participation you can choose to enter into a draw to win a Cruise at Wilson's Promontory.

02/06/2024

Click on the link to read the latest Gippsland Tourism Industry update 31 May 2024.

https://www.visitgippsland.com.au/destination-gippsland/news

28/05/2024

Gippsland shines for international travel advisors and media The Destination Gippsland team have been busy showcasing Gippsland at Australian Tourism Exchange (ATE), Australia’s largest annual tourism trade event, held in Melbourne last week.

The event returned to Melbourne for the first time since 2015, running from Sunday 19 May to Thursday 23 May at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC). ATE welcomed more than 2,000 tourism businesses, wholesalers, retailers and media from around the world for four days of appointments, plus a fifth day of media appointments.

Gippsland were part of nine agent familiarisation tours organised by Visit Victoria and Sydney-Melbourne Touring for attendees of the Australian Tourism Exchange (ATE), showing the region off to international wholesalers from around the world who were visiting Melbourne for ATE appointments. The tours took in the likes of Walhalla, Wilsons Promontory National Park, the Gippsland Lakes and Tarra Bulga National Park, visiting more than 35 Gippsland businesses over a two-week period.

In addition, Gippsland played host to two international media famils with a focus on agritourism experiences in the region. These tours visited on-farm experiences and accommodation at Forge Creek Lamb and Rivendell in East Gippsland, meeting with producers and sampling some of Gippsland’s finest produce in wineries and restaurants across the region.

Australian Tourism Exchange has offered us an incredible opportunity to showcase key experiences in Gippsland that will benefit the whole region, as it creates awareness and interest in Gippsland and the Sydney to Melbourne Coastal Drive.

Destination Gippsland CEO Terry Robinson said:

“With long-haul airfares now more affordable, Gippsland is seeing international travellers return and we anticipate increased demand for travel along the Sydney to Melbourne coastal touring route. We are keen to see more accommodation businesses and tour operators step up work with international travel trade, and we’re happy to assist anyone interested in to securing long-lead international bookings and benefitting from Gippsland’s rising popularity.”

26/05/2024

There’s now more time to nominate and showcase your business by entering one of the 31 categories in the 2024 Victorian Tourism Awards. The awards themselves encourage business excellence, and the process of entering the awards gives a business the opportunity to undertake a key analytical process investigating business improvements, objectives, and values, which is then peer-reviewed by a panel of industry experts. The results of your hard work will be recognised by the wider industry and consumers at the prestigious 2024 Victorian Tourism Awards Gala Ceremony, to be held in November this year.

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to highlight the achievements of your business and team.

Nominations now close on Monday 10 June 2024.
Click here for details.
https://www.vtic.com.au/victoriantourismawards/introduction/

22/05/2024

The Destination Gippsland team and tourism business representatives have been extremely busy at the 44th edition of the Australian tourism industry’s largest annual business-to-business event, the Australian Tourism Exchange (ATE24) currently being held in Melbourne/Narrm in partnership with Visit Victoria.

ATE24 has been held at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre and will finish tomorrow. The event brings together Australian tourism businesses with global distribution partners, to conduct scheduled business appointments and participate in key networking events. ATE24 provides international buyers with the opportunity to experience Australia’s tourism offerings first-hand through pre- and post-event familiarisations. Destination Gippsland has been able to host a number of famils across Gippsland.

Around 1,500 Australian seller delegates and 700 buyer delegates from over 30 countries have been in attendance providing significant exposure for Gippsland to international markets.
For further information please contact Alison Conroy. https://www.visitgippsland.com.au/destination-gippsland/marketing/marketing-opportunities-resources/marketing-partnership-opportunities

20/05/2024

The Regional Tourism Investment Fund 2024 is offering grants between $100,000 and $5 million to support regional Victorian tourism projects that improve visitor experience and increase visitor spending across Victoria – creating new jobs, benefiting tourism operators and regional communities.
The Regional Tourism Investment Fund 2024 will support the attraction of visitors to key destinations and support tourism businesses across the state with a focus on the five product priorities identified in Experience Victoria 2033 (EV33) – First Peoples-led experiences, wellness, arts and culture, food and drink and nature.
The fund consists of 3 streams:
Stream 1: Small-Scale Projects - $100,000 to $1 million
Stream 2: Large-Scale Projects - $1,000,001 to $5 million
Stream 3: Accommodation Uplift - $100,000 to $2 million
Applications close on 19 July at 2pm and more information is available at Regional Tourism Investment Fund 2024.
https://tourism.vic.gov.au/grants-and-support/regional-tourism-investment-fund
Two online information sessions will be held to support potential applicants on:
Tuesday 4 June, 10 am – 11 am
Thursday 13 June, 2 pm – 3 pm
Attendees can RSVP to the sessions via the Business Victoria website: Business Vic Website https://business.vic.gov.au/grants-and-programs/regional-tourism-investment-fund-2024

19/05/2024

The Regional Tourism Investment Fund 2024 is offering grants between $100,000 and $5 million to support regional Victorian tourism projects that improve visitor experience and increase visitor spending across Victoria – creating new jobs, benefiting tourism operators and regional communities.

The Regional Tourism Investment Fund 2024 will support the attraction of visitors to key destinations and support tourism businesses across the state with a focus on the five product priorities identified in Experience Victoria 2033 (EV33) – First Peoples-led experiences, wellness, arts and culture, food and drink and nature.
The fund consists of 3 streams:
Stream 1: Small-Scale Projects - $100,000 to $1 million
Stream 2: Large-Scale Projects - $1,000,001 to $5 million
Stream 3: Accommodation Uplift - $100,000 to $2 million
Applications close on 19 July at 2pm and more information is available at Regional Tourism Investment Fund 2024.
https://tourism.vic.gov.au/grants-and-support/regional-tourism-investment-fund

Two online information sessions will be held to support potential applicants on:
Tuesday 4 June, 10 am – 11 am
Thursday 13 June, 2 pm – 3 pm
Attendees can RSVP to the sessions via the Business Victoria website: Business Vic Website https://business.vic.gov.au/grants-and-programs/regional-tourism-investment-fund-2024

17/05/2024

DG was out and about today with Australian Tourism Exchange (ATE) participants from Korea, China, Japan, Thailand, Switzerland, Canada and Sydney visiting .
Everyone enjoyed the lush tree ferns and magic mountain ash during their rainforest walk to Corrigan's Bridge.
Thank you to Inline Cafe

14/05/2024

Thank you to everyone who came to the Gippsland Tourism Forum hosted at GLaWAC and to Sue-Ellen for assisting with the event. A great day was had by all. Information from the event will be posted on the Destination Gippsland Industry page in the coming days. To access our industry resources please see here. https://www.visitgippsland.com.au/destination-gippsland/industry-development/industry-development-and-growth

10/05/2024

Last call for advertising in Eat Drink Gippsland!

Closing 5pm Monday 13 May 2024.

The 5th edition of this very popular guide is nearing completion, with advertising opportunities now coming to a close. Eat Drink Gippsland is an A5 full colour guide to all things eating, drinking and touring for food and drink in Gippsland.

If you are interested in advertising, the booking form is available via the link below.
https://www.visitgippsland.com.au/destination-gippsland/marketing/marketing-opportunities-resources/eat-drink-gippsland

This year we have opened up advertising to accommodation providers, if you have an accommodation business and are keen to gain visibility with food and drink loving visitors, please get in touch with Kelly McCarthy at [email protected]

09/05/2024

Opportunities for Growth - Gippsland Tourism Forum.

TICKETS SALES CLOSING FRIDAY 5PM 10 MAY 2024

Gippsland Tourism Operators are invited to secure a ticket to the Gippsland Tourism Forum to be held at GLaWAC on May 14, 2024.

Join us at 9.00am for a networking morning tea. Hear from keynote speaker, Mark Cameron. Mark as a futurist has a unique understanding of where our world is going, and what choices all businesses have in front of them.

Further details on the program can be found here.
https://www.visitgippsland.com.au/destination-gippsland/industry-development/industry-training-events/gippsland-tourism-forum-east-gippsland-may-2024

Don’t miss out on your chance to secure a ticket: Gippsland Tourism Forum - Opportunities for growth Tickets, Tue, May 14, 2024.
https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/gippsland-tourism-forum-opportunities-for-growth-tickets-877780183157

06/05/2024

Do you want to hear more about tourism opportunities and projects that are developing across the region?

Secure your tickets to the Gippsland Tourism Forum, to be held at GLaWAC on May 14 and hear all about various opportunities and projects including an update from Metung Hot Springs.

A great opportunity to gain valuable information as well as networking with tourism operators, local business people and representatives from various organisations.

For details on the program please see here. https://www.visitgippsland.com.au/destination-gippsland/industry-development/industry-training-events/gippsland-tourism-forum-east-gippsland-may-2024

BOOK YOUR TICKETS:https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/gippsland-tourism-forum-opportunities-for-growth-tickets-877780183157?aff=oddtdtcreator

30/04/2024

Have you heard of Typsy? Join us at the Gippsland Tourism Forum on May 14 at GLaWAC to hear more from the world’s largest and fastest growing online library of expert led courses for the tourism and hospitality industries.



Together with DJSIR, Choose Tourism, VTIC, Typsy is providing access to its platform for all Victorian tourism hospitality and events businesses and their staff. This includes recently launched regional courses to assist businesses and their staff to tell the stories of their region and help enhance the visitor experience.



Donna Cox, Head of Customer Success at Typsy, will give a brief of the opportunities available and will be available in the breaks to provide assistance and information to businesses who may wish to get started on Typsy.



Don’t miss out on hearing from Donna and a host of other engaging speakers at the forum, enjoying delicious catering by Albert and Co Lakes Entrance and networking with like-minded people. Book your tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/gippsland-tourism-forum-opportunities-for-growth-tickets-877780183157

Gippsland Tourism Forum - Opportunities for growth
The 2024 Gippsland Tourism Forum - 'Opportunities for growth' is the ideal place to network & catch up on the latest happenings in tourism.
www.eventbrite.com.au

26/04/2024

A National Sustainability Framework for the Visitor Economy and a Sustainable Tourism Toolkit have been created in partnership with all state and territory governments and Tourism Australia.

These resources are designed to unite and inspire action on sustainable tourism.

The Toolkit is a practical guide for tourism businesses. It helps them to respond to growing consumer demand for sustainable travel choices.

FREE Webinars are being hosted online please click on the link below.

Learn how to operate your tourism enterprise in a more sustainable way. This free series of 4 1-hour long webinars will offer practical guidance and inspiration across the different aspects of sustainable tourism as outlined in the new national Sustainable Tourism Toolkit.

24/04/2024

We're on a mission to enhance the visitor servicing experience across our beautiful Gippsland region, focusing on providing top-notch Visitor Information Services that cater to all visitor’s needs and interests.

We’re asking you, our local tourism industry, to share the survey link below with your visitors and guests, helping us to shape a more enjoyable and seamless Gippsland visit for everyone.

https://form.typeform.com/to/grooXBnQ

As a token of our appreciation, survey participants will be entered into a prize draw for their chance to WIN a Metung Hot Springs voucher.

Visitor feedback is invaluable, and we thank you in advance for taking the time to share it across your consumer channels.

The survey window is from 15 April to 3 May 2024, closing at 5pm.

To read more about the Gippsland Visitor Services Project please click here.

Chance to WIN a $600 Metung Hot Springs voucher!

23/04/2024

Eat Drink Gippsland’s 5th edition is well underway, with advertising opportunities available to industry. The guide is an A5 full colour 140 page go-to visitor reference for all things eating, drinking and touring for food and drink in Gippsland. If you are interested in advertising, the booking form for industry to participate is now available here.

We have opened up advertising this year to accommodation providers, if you have an accommodation business and are keen to align your guest experience with the Gippsland food and drink experiences, please get in touch with Kelly McCarthy at [email protected]

BOOKINGS NOW OPEN FOR EDITION 5 To secure a spot for your food or drink business, complete the booking form and return it to [email protected] . DOWNLOAD BOOKING FORM WHAT IS THE EAT. DRINK. GIPPSLAND GUIDE? This publication has become a must-read piece of literature…

21/04/2024

We are excited to introduce renowned futurist, Mark Cameron, who will be presenting at the Gippsland Tourism Forum, to be held at GLaWAC on May 14, 2024.

Mark has a unique understanding of where our world is going, and what choices all businesses have in front of them.

For over 17 years he has been leading a technology strategy consultancy and is an advisor to business leaders across the world and has worked with many of Australia’s largest organisations including Telstra, ASX, SAP and many universities and government agencies.

Mark Cameron is the only Australian, and the 225th person to be inducted into an exclusive group of specialists from around the world regarded as Certified Experience Economy Experts.

Mark teaches the Digital Transformation Masterclass in the Deakin University Executive MBA and is member of Forbes Technology Council and was the digital strategy columnist for BRW for over 6 years.

Don’t miss out on your chance to secure a ticket: Gippsland Tourism Forum - Opportunities for growth Tickets, Tue, May 14, 2024 at 10:00 AM |
https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/gippsland-tourism-forum-opportunities-for-growth-tickets-877780183157?aff=oddtdtcreator

17/04/2024

Destination Gippsland invites you to join us at the Gippsland Tourism Forum - 'Opportunities for Growth' in East Gippsland on Tuesday 14 May 2024.
'Opportunities for Growth' will include updates on local, regional and state projects. Hear from Visit Victoria, Destination Gippsland and East Gippsland Shire Council.

Keynote speaker will be futurist Mark Cameron. Mark has a unique understanding of where our world is going, and what choices all businesses have in front of them.

As part of the forum, we will be launching the Dark Skies project - Gippsland Stargazing.

Date: Tuesday 14 May 9.00am to 4.00pm.

Location: Gunaikurnai Land and Waters Aboriginal Corporation (GLaWAC) 27 Scriveners Road (Forestec, Kalimna West VIC 3909

Cost: $60 per person includes a networking morning tea and lunch with industry experts.

This is a great opportunity for the Gippsland tourism industry to come together.

To register please click here. https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/gippsland-tourism-forum-opportunities-for-growth-tickets-877780183157?aff=oddtdtcreator

Capacity is limited, and bookings close Thursday 9th May at 5.00pm.

For further information email: [email protected]

16/04/2024

Click on the link to read the latest Gippsland Tourism Industry update 16 April 2024
https://www.visitgippsland.com.au/destination-gippsland/news/gippsland-industry-update-16-april-2024

29/03/2024

GIPPSLAND VISITOR SERVICES STRATEGY > STAKEHOLDER SURVEY
Thank you for taking the time to complete our survey, please see the link here.
https://form.typeform.com/to/vTvqkhBD
The Gippsland Visitor Services Strategy project is designed to enhance visitor servicing in Gippsland with the goal of boosting visitor spend, extending stays, and elevating customer satisfaction, backed by the State Government's Visitor Services Fund and in line with the Victorian Visitor Services Framework and Destination Gippsland's Towards 2030 Destination Management Plan.
A pivotal element is the creation of a Gippsland Visitor Services Strategy, which emphasises innovative service coordination, stronger links between Visitor Information Centres and regional tourism initiatives, and the integration of technology and inclusive services. It aims to unify visitor services across the region, bolster Gippsland's event calendar, volunteer and ambassador programs, and develop a detailed, actionable plan.
Destination Gippsland are inviting stakeholders to contribute via this online SWOTA Survey (to identify the destination's Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats and Aspirations).
The survey closes on Friday 5th April 2024.

Stakeholder Survey

27/03/2024

rEvents Academy - 7 Week Regional Event Management Training Program
Delivered as a seven-week-long facilitated and interactive online training program, this program is a convenient way to improve your event management skills in a flexible learning environment, together with peers.

With 10 training modules, the program covers everything about event planning and delivery - and much of the hard work has been done for you!
To read more please follow the link.
https://reventsacademy.com/7-week-intensive-regional-event-management-training-program

26/03/2024

Eat Drink Gippsland 5th Edition
Copies of the current Eat Drink Gippsland guide are now in short supply across the region, and we are pleased to let you know that a new booking form for industry to participate in the next guide is now available here.
https://www.visitgippsland.com.au/destination-gippsland/marketing/marketing-opportunities-resources/eat-drink-gippsland

If you would like to speak with a member of the team, please contact Kelly McCarthy. [email protected]

BOOKINGS NOW OPEN FOR EDITION 5 To secure a spot for your food or drink business, complete the booking form and return it to [email protected] . DOWNLOAD BOOKING FORM WHAT IS THE EAT. DRINK. GIPPSLAND GUIDE? This publication has become a must-read piece of literature…

26/03/2024

Read the Gippsland Industry Update for March here:
https://www.visitgippsland.com.au/destination-gippsland/news
-Australian Tourism Exchange (ATE) - working with international travel trade.
-Eat Drink Gippsland 5th Edition.
-Gippsland Visitor Services Strategy - Stakeholder Survey.
-Ken H**e Tourism Mentoring program 2024.
-VTIC Vision Summit.
-East Gippsland Digital Confidence program.
-Job Skills and Job Centres.
-Digital Jobs Program.
-Tourism award dates for 2024.
-Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal (FRRR) Grants.
-Qantas Regional Grants

This page acts as your one-stop location for Destination Gippsland's industry news and updates.

17/03/2024

GIPPSLAND VISITOR SERVICES STRATEGY > STAKEHOLDER SURVEY
Thank you for taking the time to complete our survey, please see the link here.
https://form.typeform.com/to/vTvqkhBD

The Gippsland Visitor Services Strategy project is designed to enhance visitor servicing in Gippsland with the goal of boosting visitor spend, extending stays, and elevating customer satisfaction, backed by the State Government's Visitor Services Fund and in line with the Victorian Visitor Services Framework and Destination Gippsland's Towards 2030 Destination Management Plan.

A pivotal element is the creation of a Gippsland Visitor Services Strategy, which emphasises innovative service coordination, stronger links between Visitor Information Centres and regional tourism initiatives, and the integration of technology and inclusive services. It aims to unify visitor services across the region, bolster Gippsland's event calendar, volunteer and ambassador programs, and develop a detailed, actionable plan.

Destination Gippsland are inviting stakeholders to contribute via this online SWOTA Survey (to identify the destination's Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats and Aspirations).

We would be incredibly grateful if you could complete the survey by Thursday, 28 March 2024.

Stakeholder Survey

02/03/2024

Collaboration with other local businesses offers opportunities to take on larger projects and create a greater impact than any one business can achieve alone.

Startup Gippsland's next in-person networking event will be hearing from local entrepreneurs about how they used collaboration to grow their businesses. Learn about the Inverloch Street Party which was created by the Inverloch Tourism Association to revitalise tourism in their town.

Learn about opportunities in your industry and region and be inspired to build collaborative partnerships for your own business!

The event is on Thursday 7th of March, 5:30-7:30pm at Harman Wines.

Tickets can be booked via Eventbrite:

Join us at Harman Wines, and hear about opportunities to grow your business through collaboration, including local success stories.

01/03/2024

Limited places available. Join us for the inaugural Gippsland Star Party, a celestial celebration like no other! Set against the stunning backdrop of the Gippsland region, this exclusive gathering welcomes amateur astronomers of all skill levels to unite under the starlit skies. Whether you're a seasoned 'eyepiece viewer' or an enthusiastic astrophotographer, you'll find your niche in this cosmic community.

With its pristine dark skies and breathtaking landscapes, the Gippsland Star Party is a haven for stargazers and shutterbugs alike. Leave the city lights behind and immerse yourself in a weekend dedicated to the cosmos. Please note, this isn't a standard 'public viewing event'—participants are encouraged to bring and utilise their own astronomy equipment.
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NOTE: This is NOT a ‘public viewing event’ - participants need to bring & use their own astronomy equipment.
Friday 15 March 2024 3:00 PM - Sunday 17 March 2024 11:00 AM (UTC+11)

Join us for the inaugural Gippsland Star Party, a celestial celebration like no other! Set against the stunning backdrop of the Gippsland region, this exclusive gathering welcomes amateur astronomers of all skill levels to unite under the starlit skies. Whether you're a seasoned 'eyepiece vi...

01/03/2024

Buchan Caves Reserve Fire and Flood Recovery

Over the last several weeks, more than 60 staff – including teams from Parks Victoria, East Gippsland Catchment Management Authority, East Gippsland Water, Gunaikurnai Rangers, Forest Fire Management Victoria crews, plumbers, electricians, arborists, AusNet Services – have come together to carry out these important works. This includes relocating 250 tonnes of vegetation debris, removing mud and pressure cleaning surfaces.

Assessments on caves, roads and bridges are also underway to understand next steps for the area. As joint managers of the reserve, Parks Victoria and the Gunaikurnai Land and Waters Aboriginal Corporation will continue to work together on recovery arrangements. We’ll also look to work with community and other stakeholders to explore options for the site as things progress.

Parks Victoria has just released to share an update on Buchan Caves Reserve Recovery following the Boxing Day flood event. To view this video see here. https://youtu.be/wXTefLZPYJw?si=yt7X5FQ1UYYZH-Y5