Unley Visitor Excellence Program

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The City of Unley is excited to offer a limited number of businesses the chance to participate in the Quality Tourism Accredited Business Program, delivered in partnership with the Tourism Industry Council SA (TiCSA). This fully funded pilot program will equip your business with industry-leading accreditation, expert mentoring, and valuable digital insights—all designed to help you attract more customers, improve operations, and stand out as a trusted and high-quality business. This one-year membership program is an opportunity to:

1. Boost credibility & attract more customers
 Achieve nationally recognised Quality Tourism Accreditation and be listed on TrustTheTick.com.au, a trusted consumer website as well as the Australian Tourism Data Warehouse (ATDW).

2. Enhance your business and marketing strategy
 Program participants will have access to up to three free one-hour sessions with a Business Advisor to provide one-on-one tailored advice across areas such as General Business, Health & Wellbeing, Marketing, Starting Up or Business Growth, and Food and Beverage. Digital audits can also be undertaken to analyse online performance through website functionality, social media engagement, and search engine optimisation (SEO) strategies. This provides a holistic view of strengths, while also identifying untapped opportunities.

3. Improve customer engagement
Access a Customer Service Webinar outlining what exceptional customer service is and how maximising effective communication and listening skills is essential to building rapport and positive customer engagement. Learn how to respond effectively to the needs of customers and how to turn people into brand advocates. Note that this webinar has a retail industry focus.

4. Gain exclusive insights
Gain access to a free ReviewPro account, an online reputation management system, valued at over $1500, that collates your online reviews from over 175 sites into an easy-to-use dashboard.

5. Network & learn from industry experts
A networking and information session will be held at the beginning and end of the 12-month program. Representatives from TiCSA will run through the program and requirements. You will also get the opportunity to meet other program participants and network with existing City of Unley TICSA Members.

6. Enjoy 12 months of FREE TiCSA membership
As part of the program, participants will receive a free TiCSA membership valid for 12 months unlocking exclusive industry insights, discounted events, and further certification options such as Accessible Tourism, EcoStar Accessible Tourism, Tourism Emissions Reduction, and EcoStar.

 

Expressions of Interest

Council is offering this program to a limited number of businesses. To complete the EOI, email unleybusiness@unley.sa.gov.au by Friday, 16 May 2025.

 

Eligibility Criteria

Interested businesses must meet the following criteria to be eligible to participate:

  • Must be located and operate in the City of Unley.
  • Must be a business that attracts visitors.
  • Must be a for-profit, registered business (must have an ABN).
  • Must already have a digital presence or be willing to establish a digital presence.
  • Must have been in operation for at least 12 months.
  • Must hold or be willing to obtain the appropriate registrations, licenses, permits, and insurances as required to operate.
  • Are not already accredited through the QTAB Program.
  • Must not have any outstanding compliance matters with council and have a favourable working relationship with Council.
  • This program is not redeemable for cash.
  • Must be committed to completing the QTAB program (12-week commitment)
  • Businesses must also ensure that they are available across all of the key dates.

Key Dates 

Date Event
 Wednesday, 16 May 2025  Expression of interest close
 Wednesday, 25 June 2025  Networking event
 June – October 2025  Mentoring and digital audit
 June – October 2025  Customer Service Webinar
 November 2025  Accreditation must be complete

 

Application Process

Once an expression of interest application has been received:

  • Receipt of application will be acknowledged via email
  • Applications will be checked for eligibility
  • Applicants will be notified whether they have been successful in gaining a place in the program or not (this will happen the week after expressions of interest close).

Prioritisation

If the number of businesses who express an interest to participate in the pilot program outweighs the number of places available, prioritisation will be given to businesses that are growth oriented and can demonstrate a strong commitment to activation and community engagement. Businesses chosen to participate in the program are at the discretion of council. 

 

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