Tourism teachings

 Yarra Valley tourism businesses can learn how to grow at a conference this month.

Tourism Network Yarra Valley (TNYV) is hosting the annual event at Yarra Valley Estate, 2164 Melba Highway, Dixons Creek, from 8.40am to 4.30pm on Wednesday 28 August.

The event’s aim is to educate participants on how to grow their tourism business in the Yarra Valley, and welcomes all tourism businesses, from hot air balloons to restaurants, B and Bs, cafes, tours, weekend getaways and more.

Howard Tinker’s presentation More Bums on Seats will cover why marketing is a must – not just nice to have – knowing customers’ pain points, needs and dreams; the four ways to grow a business; how to effectively use social media and more.

In Getting Exceptional Results in Tourism, Rex Brown will cover why repeat business is the key to great results; the three people factors underlying excellent results; ways to drive customers to an operation; components of a loyalty system that works; and feedback systems.

Rebecca Ritte will cover using Google analytics, including what the term refers to, how to get started, and more.

Katrina Reynolds will present on achieving best practice in sustainability, and will give an edible forest tour.

She’ll speak about the Yarra Valley Estate history and values, the business giving back, sustainability, the future and more.

The day will be broken into 45 to 60 minute presentations and include morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea.

Early bird tickets prices are available until 11 August and enrolments close on 20 August.

Visit bit.ly/2Yh6Rbu to register.