Helping rural and regional Australia grow through smart tourism strategy
Growing regional tourism with purpose
At Tilma Group, we believe great tourism strategy starts with what’s good for the local community, its natural assets, and its economy. Since 2008, we've partnered with rural and regional destinations across Australia to shape visitor economies that are sustainable, strategic, and community-led.
We specialise in destination management plans, tourism development, and event strategies that help grow visitation in a way that feels authentic - and works. Whether you're a Council looking to activate your tourism potential, or a tourism business ready for coaching, mentoring or growth, we bring expertise and passion to every project.
From tourism grant and award support to Aboriginal and agritourism development, our strength lies in staying on the journey with you - from planning and funding, to delivery and review.
Tilma Group is proud to be one of Australia’s leading consultancies in regional tourism and visitor economy development.
Let’s grow rural tourism, together.
What we do
We only take on projects we believe in - ones that energise us and make a real difference in regional and rural communities.
Whether you're looking to reinvigorate your destination, grow your tourism business, or activate your visitor economy, we bring deep industry knowledge, hands-on experience, and a whole lot of heart. We know our stuff, we speak your language, and we're with you every step of the way.
Our work spans four core pillars:
Destination Development
We work with communities and Councils to grow rural tourism through sustainable development - from identifying new opportunities to shaping the infrastructure and support needed to bring them to life.
Destination Management Planning
Visitor Experience and Product Audit and Analysis
Visitor Servicing Review and Recommendations
Regional Event Strategies
Strategic Activation
We create practical, place-based tourism strategies, destination management plans, and event strategies that turn big ideas into action.
Tourism and Destination Strategy Activation
Tourism Grant Applications
Tourism Award Submission Reviews
Sustainable Accreditation
Experience Design
We help shape unforgettable, market-ready visitor experiences that celebrate local culture, stories, and natural assets — from agritourism and Aboriginal tourism development to regional events and beyond.
Sector Product Audit and Analysis
New Product and Experience Development Plans
Feasibility Studies
Capability Building
Through tourism business coaching, mentoring and tailored workshops, we support businesses, Councils, and communities to build the skills and confidence to thrive.
Experience Design Programs
Mentoring Destination Managers and Teams
Mentoring Tourism Operators
Training and Presenting
Our mission
“In this new era of travel, people are actively seeking experiences that enrich, awaken and transform them, and, eventually, the world.”
Led by Managing Director Linda Tillman, Tilma Group exists to help destinations and tourism businesses claim their place in the visitor economy — by creating experiences that truly connect with today’s travellers.
Our mission is to transform regional and rural Australia through responsible tourism development, grounded in community, culture, and care. We design strategies that don’t just drive visitation, but do so in a way that respects local stories, protects natural assets, and leaves a lasting, positive impact.
Every idea we put to paper is shaped with intention — balancing economic growth with cultural sensitivity and environmental responsibility.
Who we work with
Business for good
Our clients are located in some of the most environmentally and culturally rich locations in Australia. We are passionate advocates for responsible tourism. We proactively reduce and offset our emissions, and we donate 1% of our profits to the Foundation of Regional and Rural Renewal’s (FRRR) Prepare and Recover grant program, which helps communities implement initiatives that prevent, prepare for, and recover from climate change related impacts.
Tilma values
Down to earth
Team Tilma is born and bred in rural Australia. We celebrate the uniqueness of regional communities, understand your frustrations and opportunities, and speak your language.
Big picture thinkers
Thinking globally as well as locally, not only are we in touch with the fabric of regional communities, but Tilma Group is always looking at the bigger picture. We are on top of the latest trends and have access to cutting-edge tools and up-to-date industry innovation.
Environmentally responsible
Our clients are located in some of the most environmentally and culturally rich locations in Australia.
We are passionate advocates for responsible tourism and will never put an idea to clients
without consideration of its cultural and environmental impacts.
We know our stuff
Tilma Group is an experienced team of highly-skilled over-achievers who are committed to not just deliver on your goals, but blow them completely out of the local watering hole.
The perfect amount of crazy
At Tilma Group, we have just the right balance of common sense to curiosity,
focus to free-thinking, and intuition to imagination.
All about outcomes
Our passion is seeing regional communities achieve great results from their investments in the visitor economy. We don’t stop at the idea generation and planning; it’s supporting the achievement of results that excites us the most!
Full of beans
We’re not sure if it’s the fresh country air, the morning sun rising over sunflower fields or the hearty country brekkies, but our team of go-getters jump out of bed each day ready to take on big challenges and put in 100% every step of the way!
