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.

Tourism Strategy — Tilma Group | Regional Tourism Strategy, Destination Planning & Business Support

City of Karratha

On WA’s northwest coast in the Pilbara, between Exmouth and Broome, the City of Karratha encompasses one of the world’s most spectacular natural environments: coastlines, islands, reefs, and abundant wildlife.

The one million rock art carvings on the Burrup Peninsula have been recognised for their World Heritage value. They provide a continuous record of the Ngarda-Ngarli people's connection to their Country for over 50,000 years.

Project purpose

City of Karratha sought a review of its visitor centre and other forms of visitor information servicing, and a tourism strategy, to be incorporated with a new economic development strategy.

Project overview

The City is on the cusp of a doubling of visitors due to the sealing of a road between one of WA’s most popular attractions, Karijini National Park, and the City which is the population centre of the Pilbara.

The tourism strategy unlocks the potential for a sustainable and thriving visitor economy that enhances the liveability of the region while preserving its unique natural and cultural assets.

Guided by a clear vision, the tourism strategy incorporating the visitor servicing review identifies five strategic focus areas—governance and industry capability, enabling infrastructure, product and experience development, visitor servicing, and destination identity and marketing—underpinned by principles of sustainability and local empowerment.

See the strategy

Project outcomes

The City has begun the strategy’s implementation by hiring a Tourism Coordinator to deliver it. This was the first time the City has ever had a dedicated destination manager.

Tilma’s Director visited the City to

- work with the City's City Growth team to prioritise achievable actions for the first two years of implementation

- workshop with the team to create a new tourism grants program aligned to the strategy and its priorities

- present at a business breakfast

- deliver a tourism opportunities workshop for Aboriginal businesses