Welcome to Bed and Breakfast and Farmstay Queensland

Members

Industry News

BBFQ members can log in here to keep up to date with our organisation and the industry. A password is required.

About BBFQ

Bed & Breakfast and Farmstay Queensland (BBFQ) is the industry peak body in the state representing operators of small hosted and self contained accommodation offering a distinctive, personalised, and often boutique experience. The B&B and farmstay experience is regarded as a niche sector of the tourism industry that offers an accommodation option to the leisure and business travel market.

BBFQ was formed in March 2004 when two previous organisations, Queensland Bed and Breakfast Association and Queensland Farm and Country Tourism came together. Each of these entities had been operating previously for approximately ten years.

Join BBFQ

Membership of BBFQ can be arranged by downloading and completing a Membership Application Form in PDF or in Word, Membership Application Form .

Code of Conduct

Our operators agree to abide by an Operators Code of Conduct and each member property is required to meet a Membership Criteria.

The Industry Nationally

BBFQ is the Queensland member of the national body, Bed & Breakfast and Farmstay Australia (BBFA). This body is currently chaired by the BBFQ Secretary, Peter Cook and has implemented a national logo which is promoted on our website and printed guide. Each member property of BBFQ displays this logo through a fence sign or farm gate sign to promote the national image. The industry is represented in all states and territories across Australia and a link to each of the other states can be found at our Links menu.

BBFA liaises closely with the national tourism industry and has formed a strong affiliation with Tourism Australia, AAA Tourism, Tourism Research Australia, and the CRC Sustainable Tourism. We have established a national web portal at www.australianbedandbreakfast.com.au to further profile market the national and international attraction of a B&B or farmstay experience.

Getting Started

Prospective operators can download a copy of a publication produced in 2001 titled “Guidelines for Operating a B&B in Queensland”. This publication is currently being updated but provides a broad overview of the framework that an operator needs to consider, together with the research that you need to carry out before you commit any money.

Our website

In partnership with Tourism Queensland, BBFQ has developed web sites over the past five years to market the industry and member properties. In 2006, this current site, www.bbfq.com.au was established to provide increased exposure. Previous sites were www.bnb.au.com and www.bedandbrekky.com. These websites are dedicated industry sites that specifically market the industry and our member properties. Every member property is listed on the website as a free component of your membership. Our new site contains industry information for our members and links to our industry partners and the B&B and Farmstay sites across Australia.

Annual Printed Guide

Each year, BBFQ produces a hard copy guide to Queensland B&Bs and Farmstays. Every member property is listed in the guide and those wishing to advertise can do so in one third, two third or a full page advertisement. Our advertising rates in 2005 varied from between $350 and $825. We produce 40,000 copies of the guide for distribution through regional visitor information centres, Brisbane domestic and international airports and most regional airports.

Gift Vouchers

We actively promote the purchase of gift vouchers that can be redeemed at any BBFQ property. In the future, a national scheme will be introduced to offer a much wider network for promoting and redeeming these vouchers

Representation

BBFQ is recognised within the tourism industry in Queensland as the peak industry body for the hosted accommodation sector. In our role, we are consulted by Government agencies as your representative on current and future legislation and regulations that affect your business. Recent examples of this include the fire safety legislation that followed the Childers backpacker fire, food safety, and liquor licensing.

Tourism Queensland - Our Major Partner

We have an ongoing partnership with Tourism Queensland in their role to develop and promote tourism experiences in Queensland. TQ has assisted us both financially and in kind in the development of this market over the past ten years.

We are a member of QTIC

BBFQ is a financial member of the state tourism peak body, Queensland Tourism Industry Council (QTIC) and is able to keep our members fully across all related issues. QTIC is a member of the National Tourism Alliance which ultimately allows BBFQ to gain access to important initiatives and opportunities within Tourism.

Member benefits

Where possible, we will negotiate trade arrangements with suppliers so that their services can be delivered as cost effectively as possible to small business. We currently enjoy competitive national arrangements with organisations such as Westpac, Kleen Heat and Diners Club. Details of our current arrangements can be found on our member’s page. (PDF file).

Industry training

Through our membership entitlements, BBFQ will consult with the industry training division of the tourism peak body, QTIC to pursue opportunities for the further education of our members. We are also working closely with the Southbank Institute College of Tourism and Hospitality. An initial B&B operator course will be held in March 2006 and details can be obtained by going to www.southbank.tafe.net.

Keeping you across the industry issues

BBFQ produces a regular electronic newsletter for our members titled BBFQ Enews.

Industry research

In 2002, the Bureau of Tourism Research developed a report titled "Bed and Breakfast Visitors in Australia 2002". This report provides an overview of visitor numbers and the contribution that the sector makes to tourism in Australia.

Corporate Governance

BBFQ is a registered not-for-profit organisation that is governed by a Constitution. Our current constitution is that of our previous entity, Queensland Bed and Breakfast Association Inc. which is currently being updated. BBFQ financial year is 1 October to 30 September. Our AGM is normally held in the month of November.

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