1) Brief Overview of your business

 Provide a concise, engaging summary that highlights:

• Your core offering: What services or experiences do you provide, and what sets you apart from competitors?
• Your mission or values: Why does your business exist? What is your commitment to delivering exceptional tourism experiences?
• Target market: Who are your typical customers (e.g., adventure seekers, family vacationers, luxury travelers)?
• Unique selling point (USP): What makes your business special? Consider showcasing awards, unique services, or a niche focus (e.g., eco-tourism, cultural experiences).

Be clear and succinct, but make sure to capture the essence of your business.

2) Please describe how you go the extra mile to provide a memorable experience for your customers?

To showcase how your business creates unforgettable experiences:

• Personalization: Share examples of how you tailor services to meet customer preferences. This could include personalized itineraries, surprise gifts, or special local experiences.
• Customer care: Mention your commitment to exceptional service, including how your team interacts with customers and goes above and beyond (e.g., offering extra amenities, handling unexpected requests).
• Memorable touches: Describe unique experiences, such as VIP treatment, cultural immersion, or surprises that leave a lasting impression.

Use specific stories or customer testimonials to back up your claims.

3) What innovative measures have you implemented to improve your business performance?

Focus on innovations that show forward-thinking and growth:

• Technology: Discuss any digital tools or platforms you’ve adopted to enhance the customer experience, such as booking apps, virtual tours, or interactive maps.
• Operational improvements: Share any changes that have streamlined processes, increased efficiency, or enhanced guest satisfaction (e.g., online check-ins, advanced reservation systems).
• Product/service innovation: Highlight any new services, packages, or partnerships you’ve created to offer something new to customers.

Be sure to explain the impact these innovations have had on business performance (e.g., increased bookings, better customer feedback).

4) Please tell us what actions you have taken to ensure your business is as environmentally sustainable as possible?

 Demonstrate your commitment to sustainability by providing specific examples:

• Waste management: Describe efforts to reduce waste, such as minimizing single-use plastics, composting, or using eco-friendly packaging.
• Energy conservation: Mention energy-saving initiatives like using solar power, energy-efficient lighting, or encouraging guests to reduce energy consumption.
• Eco-friendly products or services: Explain the use of sustainable materials, local sourcing, or offering eco-conscious tours or experiences.

Use data or measurable outcomes to show the positive impact of your sustainability efforts (e.g., reduced carbon footprint, energy savings).

5) How do you ensure your business provides a welcome for everyone and is as inclusive and accessible as possible?

Showcase how your business ensures accessibility and inclusivity:

• Physical accessibility: Mention any adaptations made to ensure your space or services are accessible (e.g., wheelchair ramps, accessible bathrooms).
• Inclusive practices: Highlight how you cater to diverse groups (e.g., family-friendly amenities, services for people with disabilities, multilingual staff).
• Community engagement: Share how you involve local communities, support local businesses, or collaborate with organizations promoting inclusivity.

Provide examples of positive feedback or certifications that demonstrate your commitment to inclusivity.

6) What investment has been made in staff training or personal development?

Emphasize how you prioritize staff growth:

• Ongoing training programs: Highlight any staff development initiatives, such as training in customer service, cultural sensitivity, or specific tourism skills.
• Certifications and partnerships: If applicable, mention any industry-recognized training programs, certifications, or partnerships with professional organizations.
• Team empowerment: Explain how you invest in creating a motivated, knowledgeable, and customer-oriented team. This could include leadership development, regular feedback sessions, or team-building activities.

Include yourself

7) How have you incorporated a sense of place into your business?

Showcase how your business celebrates the local culture and environment:

• Local partnerships: Highlight any collaboration with local artisans, guides, or businesses to give guests an authentic experience.
• Cultural integration: Describe how local traditions, customs, or cuisine are featured in your offerings (e.g., incorporating local folklore into tours, serving local dishes).
• Design and ambiance: Explain how the décor, architecture, or atmosphere of your business reflects the local culture or environment.
• Community involvement: Demonstrate your business’s role in preserving or promoting the local area, such as supporting local conservation efforts or promoting tourism sustainability.

Supporting Documents/Images:

Please feel free to upload any supporting documents/images to strengthen your application. We encourage businesses to upload at least 1 image which is copyright free and can be used in any press releases should your business be shortlisted.

Social Media Accounts (if applicable)

Please list any grading or accreditation (If applicable)

Why Supporting Documents/Images are Important:

• Visual Impact: Images capture attention and provide proof of what your business offers. A well-chosen image can visually convey your brand’s personality, ambiance, or unique offerings in a way that words alone cannot.
• Evidence of Excellence: Uploading relevant documents (like certifications, press mentions, or customer reviews) can substantiate your claims and give the judges tangible evidence of your business’s performance, achievements, and reputation.

Best Practices for Uploading Images:

• Copyright-Free Images: Ensure that the image you submit is copyright-free or that you have permission to use it. If the image will be used in press releases, you must have the rights to distribute it.
• High Quality: Choose images that are high-quality, professional, and well-lit. They should clearly represent your business and show it at its best (e.g., customers enjoying your services, team interactions, or an event).
• Contextual Relevance: Use images that directly correlate with the content of your application. For example, if you’re talking about sustainability, you could upload an image showing your eco-friendly initiatives, such as staff planting trees or your energy-saving facilities.

Social Media Accounts:

• Why it’s important: Your social media presence is often one of the first places people go to learn about your business. Sharing your accounts shows that your business is active online and engaged with customers.
• How to approach: Include links to your active social media profiles (e.g., Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, LinkedIn). Highlight any successful campaigns, significant follower growth, or positive customer interactions on social media.

3) Grading/Accreditation (If Applicable):

• Why it’s important: Grading or accreditation provides credibility to your business and demonstrates that you meet or exceed industry standards. Many tourism award programs value official recognition or endorsements as evidence of quality.
• How to approach: If your business has received any grading (e.g., 5-star rating, eco-certification) or industry accreditation (e.g., travel industry awards, safety certifications), be sure to list them. These accolades reinforce your credibility and professionalism.

Summary Tips for a Strong Application:

• Be Specific: Use concrete examples, numbers, and customer stories to back up your claims.
• Tell a Story: Weave the different sections together to tell a cohesive story about your business’s values, impact, and achievements.
• Highlight Uniqueness: Focus on what makes your business stand out. What’s the special quality that will catch the judges’ attention?
• Professional Presentation: Ensure your application is well-organized, free of errors, and presented in a professional manner. Make it easy for the judges to navigate through the sections.

By thoughtfully addressing these questions and including strong supporting materials, you can create an application that effectively showcases your business as a leader in the tourism industry.