WHAT OUR FOUNDER TOLD TWEED TOURISM CO. ON THE EVE OF THE AUSTRALIAN TOURISM AWARDS.

Tweed Tourism Co…

“To celebrate Blue Ginger Picnics making it to the Australian Tourism Awards for the third time please share your answers to the following questions. Best wishes from the Tweed Tourism Co team, you’re already a winner in our eyes!

1. What do you love most about your business and the experiences you offer guests?

I love our business manifesto and commitment to solid values. Blue Ginger Picnics serves 100% local produce. Our focus from day one was to showcase our stunning region’s food and nature. If it’s not grown or made in the Northern Rivers, it’s not served to guests.

This isn’t always easy as it involves lots of driving around the countryside searching for the best local produce. But it’s worth it because we can then create Australia’s only 100% local platter experiences.

The decision to operate a plastic-free business, from the onset, was a challenge. But it highlights that even small companies can make massive changes by making conscious decisions on how they operate.

2. What positive advice would you give to someone looking to start a tourism business?

I’d advise anyone starting a tourism business to develop solid, unwavering values from day one. It’s tempting to follow the crowd, see what others are doing and model them. But businesses that stand out and truly make a difference are the ones that lead rather than follow.

As Australia’s first tourism-based picnic company, we were forced to pave our own way as there was no one else to follow. That’s both a blessing and a challenge.

Having strong values is a guide to every decision in the business. When starting out, it’s tempting to say yes to more than you should. However, knowing the true essence of your business means you can say no to the things that aren’t aligned with your vision and yes to the things that are.

The key for any new business is to stop looking at what others are doing and stay laser-focused on your own standards and values. It’s the only way you can build true sustainability into your business.

3. What does winning an award for your business mean to you?

Winning our awards is incredible recognition from industry leaders.

Yes, winning multiple awards is often described as “vanity metrics.” But nothing tops winning Gold at the last Australian Tourism Awards. It’s a powerful acknowledgment of all our hard work.

The key benefit of winning awards is the opportunity to highlight the almost 40 local food producers, farmers and businesses that make up each of our picnic experiences.

Some small businesses we work with would never get featured in magazines or TV. So when we’re on shows such as Sydney Weekender, we utilise the opportunity to take all our suppliers on the journey with us.

The award process is grueling, but it forces you to take a deep dive into your business and assess everything from customer service to risk management. Every element of the award process outlines critical business development and growth strategies.

4. Who has inspired you in life and business?

So many people have inspired me throughout my life and business. Who changes depending on where I am in my life or business and what’s happening at the time.

At the moment, the entire community of the Northern Rivers inspires me. The incredible ways people have responded to flood victims to save people stranded, help clean up and offer support is phenomenal.

Whether during a disaster or in business, working together is at the heart of our region.

Buying local, supporting local and growing businesses that highlight the best of local food and nature makes sense to me when you live in an environment filled with such inspiring and talented people.