Our website
In partnership with Tourism Queensland, BBFQ has developed web sites to market the industry and member properties. This current site, www.bbfq.com.au was established to provide increased exposure. Every member property is listed on the website as a free component of your membership. Our new site contains relevant industry information for our members and links to our industry partners and the B&B and Farmstay sites across Australia.
Annual Printed Guide
BBFQ produces a hard copy guide to Queensland B&Bs; and Farmstays. Every member property is listed in the guide ss a component of your membership. We produce 40,000 copies of the guide for distribution through visitor information centres throughout Queensland, 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.
Members should be aware that there are three sources of gift vouchers, namely:
- Qld and NSW/ACT Vouchers:- can be used in any participating member property throughout Queensland, New South Wales and Australian Capital Territory. These properties can be viewed on our Qld website and the NSW – ACT website.
- National Gift Vouchers:- honoured by the newly formed Bed and Breakfast and Farmstay and Accommodation Australia Inc (BBFAA). This voucher incurs a 10% commission charge to the redeeming property
- Vouchers from the BnB Book:- a publication produced annually by Carl Southern, where vouchers can be presented at any property advertised in the BnB Book.
When taking bookings it would be prudent to confirm whether a gift voucher is being used for part or full payment, the source of the voucher and its expiry date.
If you accept the voucher as payment, then be sure to forward it to the correct “source” for reimbursement, noting the above caveats about voucher redemption.
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 a number of 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.
Choose an AussieHost
AussieHost is a nationally recognised training program that will help you and your staff members deliver outstanding customer service. These 1-day interactive workshops are designed to inspire participants, encouraging them to draw on their own experiences and think about ways that they can apply the principals in their own workplaces. Once at least 50% of all staff have successfully completed the AussieHost program, your business will be eligible for AussieHost Business Accreditation. AussieHost workshops are regularly held throughout Queensland. For more information, including workshop dates and locations, go to www.qtic.com.au/aussiehost.
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 opportunities and arrangements with organisations such as Westpac, Wotif.com, Towel Order, AIB Insurance and Diners Club.
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. A B&B; operator course is available at TAFE. Details can be obtained by going to www.southbank.tafe.net.
Keeping you across the industry issues
BBFQ produces a monthly electronic newsletter for our members to keep you informed about local tourism trends, BBFQ activities and promotional activities.
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.