Given the increasing competitiveness of the global tourism industry, the capacity to compete, now and in the future, relies on the ability to deliver quality tourism experiences and to develop a reputation for excellence.

Striving for excellence

Victoria 's tourism industry has an opportunity to distinguish itself by offering exceptional experiences that deliver high levels of satisfaction to visitors. By meeting or exceeding the expectations of visitors, the industry will enjoy greater repeat visitation and positive word-of-mouth referrals by those satisfied visitors, and build and sustain a competitive advantage.

Quality tourism is achieved when back and front-of-house, business practices, local interdependencies and regional cohesiveness, are integrated seamlessly to deliver the promised visitor experience. It is undeniable that striving for Tourism Excellence needs to be a continual and ongoing process in the promise, offer and ultimate delivery of a quality experience.

Tourism Excellence has been designed to help tourism businesses and destinations get the best from their workforce, deliver the best possible visitor experience, grow tourism by working together, and ensure a sustainable industry.

The Seven Modules

To achieve quality visitor experiences it is necessary to consider the individual components that collectively contribute to the complete tourism experience.

Seven key areas have been identified. These are:

• Understanding visitor needs and expectations.
• People excellence – valuing your people.
• Business excellence – maximising business performance.
• Growing destinations – highlighting the complimentary nature of products and services within a destination.
• Industry participation – working together, contribution to the seamless integration between various tourism products.
• Fostering innovation – the adoption of innovative practices.
• Sustainability in tourism – consideration of financial, environmental, social and cultural impact of the business.

For further information: http://www.tourismexcellence.com.au