PEEL tourism operators learnt how to grow their businesses by working with the national and international tourism trade at the second Let’s Talk Tourism workshop hosted by Mandurah and Peel Tourism Organisation (MAPTO).
MAPTO chief executive Karen Priest said the decision to focus on travel distribution channels and invite presenters Bernard Whewell and Karen Castiglioni of Distinctly Travel Management to share their insights was both timely and well received.
You may also like: Premier Colin Barnett backs MAPTO Mandurah tourism initiative.
Get in front of tomorrow's news for FREE
Journalism for the curious Australian across politics, business, culture and opinion.
READ NOW“MAPTO recently moved into promoting our region to selected overseas markets, including Singapore and Malaysia, and it was timely for local tourism operators to receive an update on current travel trade distribution channels and how they can take advantage of these equipped with new learnings,’’ she said.
“Our presenters were excellent in introducing the newcomers to trade distribution and alerting the established operators to new and emerging trends.”
Ms Priest said the concept of paying inbound and wholesale commissions was well expressed and understood by the participants.
“Many newcomers to the industry can be surprised when they learn working with trade channels has an established but fluid commission structure.
“But understanding the resulting yields and consequences of building business relationships helps moderate this.’’
Mandurah Cruises business development manager Melissa Jones said the workshop was invaluable.
“Whether you are a beginner, intermediate or experienced tourism operator, you can always pick up valuable information from MAPTO’s Let’s Talk Tourism events,’’ she said.
“There were tips I’ve taken away and will implement including new ideas about database management and creating product awareness in distribution channels.’’