Inspiring Industry – July 2012

CEO Foreword

One of the standout characteristics of the visitor industry in Melbourne is resilience. There have been plenty of reasons for us to scratch our heads with disbelief over the last three to four years as we have confronted a myriad of challenges. The winning factor has been our collective commitment to putting our best face forward and ensuring that visitors to Melbourne have a positive and memorable experience. No doubt many of us have had to grit our teeth and ‘fake it til we make it’. No one goes on holiday to have a bad time. By providing positive leadership within our businesses and keeping our people focussed we will ensure that our customers come back for more of this great city.

June proved to be a tough month’s trade for many, but there are reasons for optimism. It is the middle of winter and Melbourne’s streets are still bustling with visitors. We can all be thankful for exhibitions such as Napoleon, Mesopotamia, Game Masters and the imminent re-opening of Melbourne’s much loved Hamer Hall. What’s more it is only six weeks until spring and the prospect of a strong interstate contingent in the AFL Final series beckons.

Professor Alan Fels and the Taxi Industry Inquiry hosted a special industry briefing this week, having just concluded an exhaustive inquiry, which makes a whopping 145 recommendations for change. In a blindingly obvious but previously ignored approach, they have called for customers to be put first. They have also identified improved professional standards and better working conditions for taxi drivers as priorities.

Leigh Harry CEO Tourism Victoria also spoke at the briefing and advocated strongly for the needs of visitors. The opportunity for formal feedback on the report has closed, but as it works its way through State Government we all have a role making sure our elected representatives understand the need for comprehensive change. It is up to us all to get behind VTIC, TAA and Tourism Victoria as a united voice.  For too long we have let this important part of the visitor industry lag behind acceptable standards for a global destination. We recognise that there are a lot of very good people driving taxis, but the system is letting us all down. www.taxiindustryinquiry.vic.gov.au

The team at Destination Melbourne have been actively participating in the National Tourism Events and Excellence Conference (TEE) at the MCG this week. It featured a strong program that provoked well informed and healthy debate. A big thumbs up to the team at VTIC and Tony Charters for a well run event that will go from strength to strength in the coming years.

Click here to see the full newsletter.