What services does Tilma Group offer to destination managers?

Tilma Group provides a comprehensive suite of services for destination managers, including Destination Management Planning (DMP), visitor servicing reviews, tourism product audits, and strategic activation. They also offer specialized support in experience design, such as agritourism and nature-based tourism development, and capability building through mentoring.

Does Tilma Group specialize in rural and regional tourism development?

Yes, Tilma Group is a specialist consultancy dedicated to rural, regional, and remote Australia. Their team focuses on creating sustainable, community-led visitor economies that reflect the authentic character of regional communities.

How does Tilma Group assist with Destination Management Plans (DMPs)?

Tilma Group develops practical, implementable Destination Management Plans and tourism strategies backed by data and community consultation. Their approach ensures that strategies are not just visionary but also implementable, focusing on social, economic, and environmental benefit.

Does Tilma Group provide mentoring for tourism teams and Councils?

Yes, Tilma Group offers tailored mentoring and coaching for destination managers and tourism teams (as well as for tourism businesses and farmers interested in agritourism). Their mentoring is designed to build confidence, provide strategic clarity, and develop leadership skills within local government and regional tourism organizations.

What is Tilma Group’s approach to sustainable tourism?

Sustainability is at the core of Tilma Group’s mission. They advocate for responsible tourism that protects natural assets and respects local culture. As part of their commitment, they donate 1% of their profits to support rural communities' resilience to climate breakdown.

Business and Marketing Plans

Tourism OperatorsMentoring Tourism Operators

Oct 6

Written By Cristy Houghton

Granite Gardens

With cabins overlooking a lake and gardens, Granite Gardens is a restful place to stay for those looking to explore cellar doors and National Parks around Stanthorpe in southern Queensland.

Project purpose

Granite Gardens’ owners sought support to develop a business plan and a marketing plan to have a clear focus for the business’ growth.

Project overview

In weekly online mentoring sessions (with homework in between) together Tilma and the owners undertook the process of developing each plan, clarifying desired goals to work on, and an action plan for the couple to implement over the coming years.

Project outcomes

The plan is currently being enacted, with check ins for accountability and to help overcome any barriers as they arise.

“It’s astounding what we’ve been able to achieve. You stretched our thinking and challenged us. That’s really good value in our minds. ”

— Chris Nolan, business owner

In just the first months after finalising their business and marketing plans, Chris and Lynne achieved the following to achieve their objectives of reducing labour time and improving the business’ financial position.

Had an attractive new brand developed.
Had their website and all collateral updated (online listings, social media accounts, email signature, business cards, gift vouchers, letterhead, newsletter template, brochure, and so on). Their new website is now easily editable by Chris and Lynne, which was a pain point in the past. New way finding and identification signage is being developed.
Added an additional online distribution channel.
Reviewed their pricing model to align with competitors.
Eliminated EFTPOS (sales on the property), shifting all sales to online, to reduce labour and fees. (Guests can still add on extras while staying onsite by booking online.)
Undertook AI training, and leveraged AI to support social media content planning.
Leveraged the free ecoBiz support to identify cost savings and emissions reductions.
Added an EV charger for guests, and upgraded one of the business’ vehicles to an EV to reduce fuel costs.
Undertook Sustainable Tourism accreditation so they can be listed as a sustainable accommodation on Booking.com.
Added guest experience amenities: a fire pit and a porch swing overlooking the lake, and chickens who provide fresh eggs.
Reduced their time labouring in the business, such as by arranging rubbish pickup.

Referees

Chris and Lynne Nolan
Granite Gardens
0418 459774
info@granitegardens.com.au
www.granitegardens.com.au

Small businesses benefit from an outsider’s eyes and support

As we helped build these operators’ confidence and clarified their direction, we can do the same for you.

Reach out for support

Cristy Houghton

Cristy's unique career has taken her from country NSW to the city lights of Clarendon Street South Melbourne and back again. With an early career in radio as a copywriter and creative strategist, she is now a Jill of all trades as a graphic designer, website builder, blog writer, video editor, social media manager, marketing strategist and more.

In fact, give her any task and this chick will figure out how to do it! Go on, we dare you!

No, really, we DARE you!!

Cristy has won two Australian Commercial Radio Awards (ACRAs) for Best Ad and Best Sales Promotion, and even has an 'Employee of the Year' certificate with her name on it.

Cristy and her husband James have traveled extensively through Russia, China and South East Asia, and have two fur-babies, Sooty (cat) and Panda (puppy). Cristy loves drinking coffee, meeting people to drink coffee, coffee tasting and coffee flavoured cocktails. She also enjoys road trips, TED Talks and watching cat videos on youtube.

http://www.embarketing.com.au