Inside knowledge gives the edge

Listening intently to the speakers.

Owners of the region’s key tourism and hospitality businesses are preparing to show off their businesses to the world thanks to inside knowledge from the 2017 Casey Cardinia Tourism and Hospitality Day.
The annual event attracted owners of top restaurants, wineries, cafes, accommodation providers, event organisers and tourist attractions, as well as leading marketing, public relations and online digital experts who shared knowledge, trends, practices and advice.
Lindsay Mitchell, Owner of Tidemaster Charters and Cruises and participant in the day, highlighted how the program helped him with his business.
“I discovered a range of marketing and PR initiatives to reach a wide audience and still be cost effective for a small business operator such as myself,” Mr Mitchell told the Tuesday 29 August event.
The event was presented by local business and tourism groups Casey Cardinia Tourism and Puffing Billy Country Getaways.
Key speakers at the event at The Atura Hotel, Eumemmerring, included Jules Brooke from Handle Your Own PR, who advised on ways that businesses could be featured free in the media; Erika McInerney from Mac and Ernie with updates in social media; Casey May from Redsteps Marketing who provided insights into search engine optimisation and best practice in website design; and Kate Christie from Time Stylers who helped attendees find extra hours in their week though smart time management.
The day’s program was comprehensive and was designed especially to stimulate innovation and create opportunities to improve and grow participants’ businesses, as well as themselves.
Nadine Hutchins, President of Casey Cardinia Tourism and General Manager Operations at Puffing Billy Railway, said she was delighted with the outcomes from the day.
“Not only did I gain some wonderful insights into PR and digital marketing but I also gained a greater understanding of what is happening regarding tourism in our region and, in particular, had the opportunity to network with fellow operators,” Ms Hutchins said.
For further details on how to become involved with the Casey Cardinia Tourism, visit www.caseycardiniatourism.org.au or for more information about Puffing Billy Country Getaways please visit www.puffingbillycountrygetaways.com.au.