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Redlands Tourism E-Newsletter

Welcome

Hi and welcome to the October edition of the Redlands Tourism E-news. As always we hope you find the following information informative and we are happy for you to contact us with any e-news of events or happening you may have going on in your own backyard, so that we can spread the word and share in your excitement.

A Word from the Chair

We have been in discussion with other community groups & ask that if you are connected with any community group thru sport, art & culture or other events, Redlands Tourism would like to know so that we can add value to the event, help to increase attendance & promote additional spend & activities to benefit all operators in the region.
My early goal for Redlands Tourism to be more relevant to and develop closer links with community events & organizations has been effective as in the improved results for the Spring Festival and hopefully for the
High land Gathering this weekend. These events bring a shared opportunity to all operators and generate self - promotion of the Region

"If it wasn't for the last minute nothing would get done"

Ecotourism Workshop at Straddie

The Ecotourism/Nature Based Workshop and Industry Roundtable will be held in November on North Stradbroke Island
Refreshments and lunch will be provided. To re-confirm your place in the workshop, please advise your attendance by Thursday 19th October.
The workshop will provide a practical forum for operators considering ECO Certification or simply wanting to know a little more. You'll have the opportunity to learn about:
· The ECO Certification Program - what is it all about
· What is involved in gaining certification
· How will certification benefit your business
· How has the ECO Certification Program benefited local operators.
At the workshop, you will receive a FREE copy of the ECO Certification Program Application (usual cost $85.00).
For more information or to register your interest please email Patsy

RACQ's On-line Trip Planner

RACQ’s On-line Trip Planner is one of the first fully integrated sites that includes mapping, directions from street address to street address, accommodation, attractions, tours, road conditions reports, town information and the recently launched tourist drives.

Visitors to the site can find printable directions from A to B and can view the route displayed in an onscreen map. On that map, they can also search for and book accommodation along the way, as well as locate ‘things to see and do’. The site also provides more detailed driving directions, which include ‘mini maps’ that illustrate each section of the road and any turns that need to be made along the chosen route.

The proven popularity of RACQ’s On-line Trip Planner has resulted in other state auto clubs (NRMA, RAASA, RACT, RACWA and AANT) accepting a ‘white label’ version of the On-line Trip Planner. Nationally the map usage has reached 2.1 million maps per month.

The On-Line Trip Planner is a ‘work-in-motion’ with added functionality being programmed continuously.

RACQ is continually adding new content (accommodation, attractions, tours, etc) to the On-line Trip Planner and operators in our region are invited to check out the Trip Planner on www.racq.com.au . If your product is not currently featured please feel free to email heather.sulejmani@racq.com.au and enquire as to how you can be included.

2006 South East Queensland Country Conference

All operators are invited to attend this year's South East Queensland Country Conference, which has been set for Thursday 2 November at Kooralbyn Hotel Resort, near Beaudesert, Click here for a program or download a registration form now. Click here to see how you can promote your product during the networking event.

in2WINE Festival

This Sunday 15th Oct the Rotary Club of Cleveland is holding it’s Inaugural wine festival.
· Great Jazz
· Flair Bartending Displays
· $25 pp includes Entry and Tastings
Icon Bar - Raby Bay Harbour 11am - 6pm

Highland Gathering tug of war

The Qld Tug of War Championships are being held as a feature of the Redland Highland Gathering, at Cleveland Showgrounds on Sunday 15 October. The Tug of War begins at 12 noon. There will be $2 000 prize money that will be shared among tug of war teams, so hopefully all comers might receive something. The tug of war contest is being run by the Qld Tug of War Association. Teams will be 6 a side, and can be male, female or mixed. Any footwear is acceptable, according to the organiser.
This is the first year they have held the tug of war at their annual Gathering, so they would love to have some local teams to enhance the spectacle and add to the excitement.
Last year the Gathering was washed out, but in 2004 upwards of 7 000 people attended, and this year is shaping up to be bigger and better!

Other attractions of the day include the Qld Pipe Band Championship, Qld Highland Dancing Championship, highland games [including heavy events - caber toss, log wrestle etc - beginning at 10.30am], historical re enactment groups, lots of scottish and other entertainment, stalls, food and much more. Entry is $5 adults [sorry, no concessions] and children under 12 are free.
If you need any further information about joining in with the tug of war or just on the gathering itself please call Redlands Tourism on 07-38210057.

Event planning for 2007

Redlands Tourism is will be compiling an event audit in our region and this includes any events that our members are planning for 2007. If you want your event to have the maximum exposure please contact Vanessa with your event details.

Free Tourism Industry Forums

Redland Shire Council are offering Free Tourism Industry Forums

1. Are you ‘International Ready’?
2. Eco Tourism Accreditation (Repeat workshop)
3. The Art of Media Releases
4. Planning for Business Success
5. Marketing on a Plan
6. Risky Business

Please contact Sharon Raguse of the Redland Shire Council for further information.

Redland Chamber of Commerce Invites You

Redlands Tourism members are invited to the October Dinner Meeting of the Redland Chamber of Commerce to be held at

Whepstead Manor
Wednesday 18th October
6.30pm
$30 per person for members of Chamber
$35 per person for non member of Chamber

Eleanor Bray
Manager Customer Service and Business Performance of Redland Water & Waste will discuss the new water regulations for businesses, recycling, Ecobiz and the role of council to help and support local businesses with changing regulations.

To book please email The Chamber of Commerce or phone 32867177

Redlands Tourism E-Newsletter