Past Entrant Q&A with Fiona from Coffs Harbour City Council

Kangaroos on the Coffs Coast

We’ve quizzed some of our past entrants to see what they think of the Regional Tourism Awards. Find out their top tips for entrants, why they enter the awards and where they’ve found help along the way.

Up next is Fiona Barden, Business Development Coordinator at Coffs Harbour City Council.

How many times have you entered the Regional Tourism Awards? Have you also entered at state level?

Three.  Yes, at state level also.

What category (or categories) have you entered?

Destination Marketing, Events, Visitor Information Services

What reason/s did you have for entering (or continuing to enter each year)? If you’ve entered more than once, have they changed over time?

Benchmarking, recognition, and it allows review process.

Did you get help from anyone with your submission?

Judges’ feedback, workshops and a local reviewer.

How have you promoted your awards success?

Shared on social media, media coverage in our local paper, also on email signatures.

Will you be entering in 2019? Why or why not?

Yes, for same reasons as before – also to provide leadership for the destination.

What would you say to someone who’s considering entering the awards for the first time? Do you have any tips or advice for preparing a submission?

Prepare early.  The submissions are a large time commitment but assist you to look at all parts of your business.

If Fiona’s advice has got you thinking more about entering, the best place to start is our How to Enter page. If you’ve got questions, head over to our FAQs or get in touch.