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

Two cyclists riding down a gravel trail between trees

Somerset region

A rural community an hour west of Brisbane, Somerset attracts visitors to fish and waterski on Lake Somerset, to ride and walk on Australia’s longest rail trail, and to experience the quiet country life and nature.

Project purpose

Somerset Regional Council sought a strategy to clearly outline how the Council can support the visitor economy and leverage the opportunity of the upcoming 2032 Brisbane Olympics and Paralympic Games.

Project overview

Based on industry consultations, insights from a gaps analysis of a tourism supply audit, and extensive desktop research, the strategy outlines how Council can strategically support the development of additional tourism offerings, particularly agritourism and nature based tourism offerings, and including events. It also outlines Council’s roles in destination marketing and visitor servicing to support the visitor economy, and how it can build the capabilities of local tourism operators.

See the strategy

Project outcomes

Prior to the strategy’s development the Councillors invested in an agritourism development coaching program which Tilma delivered to operators, and ‘trained the trainers’ so Council’s tourism team could re-deliver the program again in the future. One of the first actions in the tourism strategy is to re-apply the program to support additional experience development.