Hello 2025!
What a special way to kick off the year— with my son starting reception today! Watching him step into this exciting new chapter has inspired me for the year ahead, a new project and to embrace new opportunities.
Over the summer, I loved exploring with my family, visiting some fun destinations. From Port Broughton, Glenelg to Beerenberg Farm🍓 here in South Australia, to a RAINY family trip to Sydney, we’ve made some wonderful memories. In Sydney, on our first family trip we ticked off some major highlights like Taronga Zoo🦒 , Sydney Aquarium 🐟 , The Rocks, and the Sydney Opera House.
I was impressed by how the City of Sydney is promoting the importance of Accredited Visitor Information Centre's (AVICs) as a resource for visitors to access up-to-date information. It was also great to see the council highlighting accessible experiences to make Sydney more inclusive for all.
The kids also enjoyed playing "ADELE" the resident piano at Adelaide Airport! 😉
Now, I’m ready to collaborate with both past and new clients focusing on helping businesses and destinations grow, innovate, and thrive in the tourism industry. If you’re looking to take your tourism business to the next level in 2025, let’s connect—I’d love to help.
And lastly, for anyone interested, I’ll be hosting a workshop in Glenelg on 26 February focused on developing and promoting unforgettable visitor experiences. This engaging session is ideal for those looking to refine their approach—whether you’re just starting out or seeking to grow your existing business. We’ll cover essential strategies for product development, promotions, and selling your tourism product.
Book Now: here
This workshop supported by the Southern Business Mentoring Program (City of Marion City of Holdfast Bay City of Onkaparinga) and the Office for Small and Family Business.
#tourismconsultant #adelaide #southaustralia #grantwriting #grants #tourismgrants #womenintourism #visitorservices
Transforming Business Services: Strategic Review for Alexandrina Council
My recent review tackled a comprehensive Community Strategic Services Review, focusing on optimising Business Services within the Alexandrina Council region. This project presented a valuable opportunity to align key service offerings with the evolving needs of local businesses, and broader economic development initiatives.
Business Services: Empowering Entrepreneurs and Driving Growth
The review also evaluated Business Alexandrina and the Business Hub Goolwa, a co-working space designed to support entrepreneurs and foster business growth in the region. I assessed alternative operating models, resourcing strategies, and partnerships integral to achieving collective outcomes.
The review highlighted the importance of Business Services in providing accessible, professional working and meeting facilities for regional start-ups and established enterprises. Some of my observations and recommendations included:
Streamlining operations: Enhance efficiencies and consolidate communications to better connect with local businesses.
Leveraging partnerships: Strengthen ties with key partners and exploring new ones to expand offerings and increase engagement.
Growing patronage: Develop targeted strategies to enhance membership and utilisation of The Hub.
Based on these findings, I recommended continued investment in Business Services as a core Local Government function, coupled with exploring three operating models for The Hub to drive future growth and sustainability.
“Alex Brown has been an enormous support to Alexandrina Council’s Economic Development Strategy to drive our tourism activities and business services. Recently, Alex has been helping us transform the way we do Visitor Services and Local Business Support. Her approach to analysis, stakeholder engagement and project management delivered comprehensive reports and insights. Alex’s time and passion was extremely valuable to this process and has allowed us to reset out strategies and operations”.
Lisa O’Donoghue, Manager Economic Development, Alexandrina Council
Let’s collaborate to drive growth and innovation in your community. Enquire now to explore how I may be able to assist with tailored solutions for your next regional transformation project, strategic plan or stakeholder engagement.