Local Businesses Take on International Markets with Business Capability Program

Brisbane-based tourism businesses are boosting their trade skills through the Tourism Industry Business Capability Program (TIBCP) and you can to.

The TIBCP is in its second year and is helping tourism businesses across the state build their digital and trade capabilities.

Workshops are fully funded by the Queensland Government and run by the Queensland Tourism Industry Council (QTIC). Spaces are still available for February, March, April and May workshops covering how to become trade ready, implementing an online booking system and managing social media for business and more.

These workshops and mentoring sessions are helping tourism operators take their businesses a step further with information and tools to enter new international and domestic markets, as well as improvements to social media and digital engagement.

QTIC Chief Executive, Daniel Gschwind said, “These workshops provide an excellent opportunity to ask questions of experts and interact with other businesses. Participants leave with ideas and tools they can apply in their business”.

The Introduction to Tourism Trade Distribution workshop held in Brisbane in December gave businesses very tangible outcomes and skills to effectively engage with trade wholesalers.

Owner of The Vintage Picnic Company, Georgia Kearney, said the workshop was full of excellent, useful information for tourism businesses and was presented in an engaging way.

“Michael [the facilitator] offered step by step instructions on how to prepare for the international markets and I know that it will save me so much time,” Ms Kearney said.

Entering international markets can be intimidating for new businesses but is important for the continued success of the tourism industry with the potential to be worth $115 – 140 billion in 2020, according to Tourism Australia.

“Getting international ready isn’t that hard. If you’re looking for new ways to generate business and expand your reach into the international tourism market, then this workshop is a must do!” Ms Kearney said.

Owner of Hampton Estate Winery Peter Rea agrees, saying it was surprising just how much the mentoring experience was tailored to each business.

“The mentoring session was the most valuable experience for our business. To be successful you need the information and the understanding which these sessions provide.

“They have been extremely insightful and valuable for our business moving forward,” Mr Rea said.

The trade ready workshops focus on ways businesses can increase revenue and customer base through practical planning and tools successfully used within the industry.

A calendar of digital and trade activities is available on the QTIC website. Register today to secure your place in the workshops and activities.        

https://www.qtic.com.au/industry-development/business-programs/