Getting Started in Tourism

If you are starting a new tourism business, this checklist will assist you to take the necessary steps to get established.

Why Pay Commission?

An explanation on the importance of paying commission on sales and how it works.

Rate Sheet Templates

Develop your own rate sheet, and then distribute it to the key distribution partners who sell your product. Download these examples of rate sheets which have a clear and easy to read format.

Interactive Tourism Product Pricing Calculator

The helpful Interactive Tourism Product Pricing Calculator tool will assist you to calculate the market or gross price of your tourism product by setting up a sustainable pricing structure which incorporates fixed; variable; profit margin; average commission and GST costs into your product pricing.

Sell Your Tourism Product Guide

Learn how to sell your tourism product through the travel distribution system to both domestic and international customers with this helpful guide. The guide covers commission levels and the role of retail travel agents, wholesalers, inbound tour operators and online travel agents (collectively known as travel distributors) who can further promote and sell your business through the travel distribution system. The checklist on page three gives practical advice on the rights steps to take to sell your tourism product. 

Creating a Tourism Package

A package is a set of individual products that are combined together under one price. The package can then be purchased by a consumer in one transaction. This is a step by step guide to create an effective tourism package.

The Australian Tourism Data Warehouse (ATDW) is the national platform for digital tourism information on Australia.

The ATDW system is a central distribution and storage facility for tourism industry product and destination information from all Australian States and Territories. This content is compiled in a nationally agreed format and electronically accessible by tourism business owners, wholesalers, retailers and distributors for use in their websites and booking systems.

You can register for FREE with the ATDW.  

Having your business listed on the ATDW has the following benefits:

• Single entry point to many websites
• Publication on southaustralia.com and australia.com
• Publication on mutiple ATDW distributor websites and channels
• Wider exposure for your product.

You can register at ATDW-Online - an easy online tool that gives you control of your listing and the ability to make your own updates whenever you want. Changes then go to the SA Tourism Commission's Online Services team for quality assurance.

Find out more >

View ATDW operator brochure > 

Why list with the ATDW brochure > 

View video > 

Social Media Hints and Tips

Social media is a very powerful and inexpensive medium to promote your business. This guide will help you understand how to market your business on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube.

The Federal Government's business assistance website, www.business.gov.au, is a handy site for new businesses with how-to guides and advice, including a Starting A Business checklist and Growing A Business Checklist. It includes grants and assistance; advice and support; and skills and training information. 
Contact 13 28 46

The Australian Business License and Information Service (ABLIS) website also provides information on the national, state, local and industry-specific licences, permits, approval, regulations and codes of practices businesses need to consider.