This category recognises excellence in the planning of tourism infrastructure and/or services with a focus on entrepreneurial vision, harmonious integration with the environment, design and functionality and uniqueness of the service. 

Important notes:
• Visitation and/or service delivery must have commenced during the qualifying period 1 July 2007 to 30 June 2008.
• Subsequent development stages may be entered by existing operators, but must be clearly defined as separate to the original facility.
• Refurbishment does not qualify in this category unless it changes the nature of the business.
• Unlike other categories you should focus on pre-opening planning of the development.

Important reminder:  Entrants are encouraged to answer questions to highlight participation in tourism-related accreditation programs.

Question 1. Product (20 points)

a) Provide a general introduction to your new tourism enterprise and outline the philosophies behind its development. You must demonstrate your eligibility for entry in this category as outlined in the descriptor above.
b) Describe the services and/or facilities you offer.
c) Explain the rationale behind the project.
d) Is your product filling a gap in tourism experiences offered in your region? How did you determine what was required?

TIPS:  Part a) Consider stating where you are located geographically and including a picture to help judges visualise your new tourism development.

Question 2: Business Plans (20 points)

a) Summarise the business results achieved and did this reflect a goal identified in the original plan.
b) Describe the key features of your business plan for example goals, strategies and outcomes.
c) Describe your business vision into the future. 
d) Describe the risk issues you have identified for your business and summarise the risk mitigation strategies you have put in place.
e) Demonstrate your involvement in, and contribution to, the tourism industry.  Explain how it contributes to the success of your business and the tourism industry as a whole.

TIPS: Part a) Examples could include: development being completed on time, early trading results and whether budget targets were met. 

Part b) is asking you to explain what were you trying to achieve i.e. your business vision from conception, how you went or plan to go about it, and the desired outcomes. Carefully explained graphs, charts or percentages may help illustrate your answer.

Part d) Risk management relates to all parts of your business including risk to the visiting public, specific business related risk and Occupational Health and Safety. Consider using a practical example or detail an incident and outcome to prove how your risk management strategy works.  Also consider displaying information in a matrix form and identifying levels of risk.

Part e) Demonstrate your involvement at local, state and/or national level.  Examples could include integrated packages including other local products that encourage greater visitation to your area, involvement in local festivals and events that encourage people to stay longer and spend more, tourism accreditation, membership of your industry association and involvement in tradeshows.

Question 3. Marketing (20 points)

a) Who are your target markets for your New Tourism Development and what research did you use to identify them?
b) What is your New Tourism Development’s distinctive difference and how do you plan to promote it to attract each of your target markets?
c) Describe your current and future marketing strategies and indicate how successful they have been in the qualifying period.
d) Demonstrate how potential clients are provided with an accurate and responsible depiction of what to expect from the experience/product.

TIPS: Consider all arms of marketing and the objective should be to demonstrate a clear plan and the outcomes achieved.

Part c) Consider research, sales activities, advertising, e-commerce activities

Question 4. Customer Service and Professional Development (20 points)

a) Explain how you achieve and maintain quality customer service throughout your organisation.
b) How do you identify and provide for people with specific needs?
c) State the number of people working in the business e.g. fulltime, part-time, casual and volunteers.  Explain how you identify and determine professional development needs and describe training/skill development programs undertaken.

TIPS: Part a) Consider how you stay abreast of industry developments.  Other points to consider could include your repeat business strategy, feedback collection and changes implemented based on feedback. 

Part b) Specific needs could include language, physical, intellectual, dietary and other special needs e.g. groups, special interest etc.

Part c) could include the objective of staff/self training/skill development programs, how they were measured, the extent of uptake and outcomes for the business. Developers who are not involved in operating the new attraction/facility need only explain those staff training initiatives relating to the development process.

Question 5. Sustainability and Innovation (20 points)

a) Describe and demonstrate your commitment to environmental sustainability.
b) Describe how your business benefits and respects the local community values and culture.
c) How have you achieved innovation in the design and development of your product?

TIPS: Part a) This could include energy and water conservation, building design and location, waste management, recycling, tree planting, engaging environmentally sensitive procedures and accreditation programs.
 
Part b) Benefits to the local community could include apprenticeships, in-kind contributions, employment of local residents, partnerships with community-based organisations etc.  The use of local products and services could include food and beverage suppliers, service providers, tradespeople, and local building material. If local products and services are not available, briefly explain.

Total points 100 points.   Visitation 0 points.

Due to the diversity of potential entrants in this category, this category will be visited and evaluated for verification purposes only and therefore no points will be awarded for the site inspection.