Post-event recap
The inaugural Mid North Regional Tourism Exchange brought together 40 tourism operators and industry representatives at Clare Town Hall on Tuesday 17 June 2025 for an afternoon of professional development, connection, and collaboration.
Hosted by RDA Yorke & Mid North with support from Tourism Australia, the South Australian Tourism Commission, Clare & Gilbert Valleys Council, and the Clare Valley Wine & Grape Association, the event aimed to strengthen the regional tourism industry through shared knowledge, relationship-building, and practical takeaways.
The program featured two panel sessions:
Small Business Marketing explored the importance of strategy, brand differentiation, and using simple social media tools and AI to stand out in a competitive tourism landscape. Panellists encouraged businesses to focus on people, product, and place in their storytelling, remembering what others say about your business is just as important as what you say about your business, using user-generated content and reviews to tell this, and make the most of platforms like ATDW and the SA Tourism Awards.
Working with Partners highlighted the power of collaboration, offering insights into how to create win-win partnerships, structure packages based on customer needs, and navigate trade relationships and commission structures to fill off-peak periods.
A dynamic speed networking session gave attendees the chance to connect with others from different industries and regions in three structured rounds. Many participants rated this as a highlight of the day.
Updates from Tourism Australia covered key travel trends, the Future of Distribution report, and opportunities to connect into national marketing and trade activity. The SATC presentation focused on new campaigns like Simple Pleasures, experience development, and how operators can become distribution-ready. The Regional Tourism Manager also gave an update on tourism governance locally.
The event concluded with networking drinks, and a strong theme that emerged throughout the day was the value of working together — whether through local partnerships, marketing alignment, or simply starting a conversation with someone new.
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Media release
Mid North Regional Tourism Exchange to Boost Regional Collaboration
May 2025
Tourism operators, retailers, members of community groups, visitor centre staff and volunteers and anyone else involved in the tourism industry from across the Mid North are invited to come together for the inaugural Mid North Regional Tourism Exchange, taking place in Clare on Tuesday, 17 June 2025.
Hosted by Regional Development Australia Yorke and Mid North, the event is designed to foster collaboration and share practical marketing insights, supporting operators to forge their path forward with cross-region packaging and marketing.
The half-day event will feature interactive sessions with experienced local operators showcasing tips for successful collaboration, and local experts talking marketing tourism experiences on a small business budget. Attendees will also hear the latest updates from the South Australian Tourism Commission and Regional Tourism Manager Jordan Martin.
“The event is about creating a space where tourism operators from across the Mid North – whether they’re running accommodation, managing a community event or selling local produce – can come together, share ideas and feel inspired,” said Jordan Martin, Regional Tourism Manager. “There are plenty of good things happening across the region, and this event is about building on that momentum together.”
Networking drinks will follow the formal program from 5:00–6:00pm, offering further opportunity to connect with others working in the tourism sector and build stronger connections between the people who shape the region’s visitor economy.
The event is open to anyone involved in the visitor economy from across the Clare Valley, Southern Flinders Ranges and wider region, with tickets priced at $15 per person (plus booking fees).
Event details:
Venue: Clare Town Hall, 229 Main North Road, Clare
Date: Tuesday, 17 June 2025
Time: 1:00 – 5:00pm (Networking drinks 5:00 – 6:00pm) – PLEASE NOTE NEW START TIME
Cost: $15 per person (plus booking fees)
Register online at www.trybooking.com/DBPVF by Sunday, 15 June.
The Mid North Regional Tourism Exchange is proudly supported by the South Australian Tourism Commission, Tourism Australia, Clare & Gilbert Valleys Council and the Clare Valley Wine & Grape Association.
Media contact
Jordan Martin
Regional Tourism Manager
Regional Development Australia Yorke and Mid North
jm*****@******************om.au
0412 986 074
