Down Under True Blue Tours GOA accredited staff to attend the “EXCELLENCE in SHOREX TOURS CONFERENCE 2011″

Building Industry Development for Guides and Operators

10 a.m. Tuesday 18^th October

Gordon TAFE , 4 Fenwick St, Geelong.Vic

As we face many changes to tourism in 2011 and beyond, it is clear that development and training in the cruise ship segment of our market is crucial. Building Industry Development for Guides and Operators, is a key focus of the inaugural Excellence In Shorex Conference 2011.

We are aiming to provide insight into future developments in the cruise ship industry, tourism trends in Shorex, discussing how to increase profit by developing and providing an excellent standard of world class service and above all , giving clear information on current industry practises and developments.

Guides and Operators play a key role in the Tourism Industry and as such, this is an opportunity for practitioners, operators, peak tourism bodies and state government representatives to discuss current and emerging issues at this ‘must-do’ conference.

With guest speakers from within the Australian and Victorian Tourism Industry, conference attendees will hear from experts and enjoy a full workshop session with Peter Wagner.  Peter will provide an insight into the trends and training on International Standards.

Finally without the support of our industry partners this conference would not be possible. We especially thank our speakers for their most valuable participation, the Gordon for providing the venue and the staff and students of the Gordon for their valuable support and assistance in presenting this conference,.

Anne Bottomley, Victorian Representative, GOA

Jill Abel, General Manager, Cruise Down Under

Jill commenced her work in the cruise industry in 1995 when she became a consultant to Hobart Ports looking after the operational aspects of the cruise ship visits. The position developed to include the Executive Officer role of Cruise Tasmania, marketing the state as a cruise ship destination. Jill worked in this role for ten years until 2005.

In February of 2005 Jill was appointed General Manager of Cruise Down Under, the peak industry marketing body. Cruise Down Under is responsible for the marketing of Australia and the Pacific to the cruise ship industry. Jill manages the marketing initiatives of the member based organisation that includes international sales missions, attendance at international cruise events, website development, brochure production and media. Jill is responsible for the management of the Economic Impact Study currently being conducted into the benefits of the Australian Cruise Ship Industry and is also the secretary of the organisation.

Jill has a Diploma of Business (Tourism) and runs her own company Abel Event Management

CLAIRE WILLIS from ABERCROMBIE & KENT

Claire has worked within the cruise industry for more than 19 years, spending many years at sea as a Purser, first for Premier Cruise Lines and then for Princess Cruises. Ten years ago she made the transition back to land and joined A&K Europe as Cruise Manager where she operated shore excursions around the UK and overland tours for cruise passengers throughout Europe.

Most recently, Claire joined A&K Australia as Cruise Manager, where she heads up a team of expert cruise professionals providing land services to cruise passengers all around Australia. Over the past four and a half years she has worked closely with local operators and tourism bodies to develop new product, improve existing product, and explore new opportunities for delivering top quality experiences to cruise ship passengers visiting Australia.

With her many years in the industry, Claire has a deep understanding of the cruise industry, and has a wide network of contacts at all of the cruise lines. She has developed relationships around the country with local suppliers and has a wealth of knowledge about the cruise industry.

PETER WAGNER, WORLD FEDERATION OF TOURIST GUIDE ASSOCIATIONS.

Peter Wagner’s experience as Tour Manager and Tourist Guide covers thirty years. Based in London and Paris, he clocked up twelve years in Western Europe with Viva Holidays, Travellers International, and Insight.

Based in Sydney, he covered much of North America and Asia, as well as touring Australia-wide and through New Zealand with Aircruising Australia and Globus. His great interest in the highest standards of guiding led to his involvement in the International Association of Tour Managers (IATM), and the establishment of the Institute of Australian Tourist Guides (IATG), not to mention its connection with the World Federation of Tourist Guide Associations (WFTGA).

He is a Lead International Trainer accredited by WFTGA, for whom he spent four weeks in Saudi Arabia delivering Train the Trainer courses in Riyadh and Jeddah.

ce Program

Tuesday 18^th, October 2011

Venue: Gordon TAFE, 4 Fenwick St, Geelong.

Room: Auditorium, G Building, level 3.