Connecting with Fellow Operators
One of the greatest strengths of the tourism industry is the spirit of collaboration. The Tourism Accelerator Marketplace makes it easy to connect with fellow operators, build partnerships, and create better experiences for visitors together.
Why Connect with Other Operators?
Benefits for Your Business
Cross-referrals – Send guests to partners and receive referrals in return
Combined packages – Create compelling multi-experience offerings
Shared resources – Pool marketing, equipment, or expertise
Local knowledge – Learn from experienced operators
Problem-solving – Share challenges and solutions
Community support – Build a network of allies
Benefits for Visitors
Seamless experiences – Connected operators provide smoother journeys
Better recommendations – Trusted referrals enhance visits
Comprehensive offerings – Packages cover more of what visitors want
Local authenticity – Partnerships reflect genuine community connections
Finding Potential Partners
Identify Complementary Businesses
Look for operators who:
Serve similar visitor types but offer different services
Operate in the same geographic area
Share your values and quality standards
Have capacity that matches yours
Bring something you don't offer
Examples of Natural Partnerships:
Accommodation + Tour operators
Wineries + Restaurants
Adventure activities + Photography services
Attractions + Transport providers
Event venues + Caterers
Use Marketplace Search
Navigate to
/marketplaceSearch by category and location
Filter for relevant operators
Review listings for compatibility
Check ratings and reviews for quality indicators
Browse the Directory
The /directory provides another view of local operators organised by category and location.
Making First Contact
Before Reaching Out
Do your homework:
Review their listing thoroughly
Check their website and social media
Understand their offerings and style
Identify potential synergies
Prepare a clear proposition
Sending a Connection Request
Through the Marketplace:
Navigate to the operator's listing
Click "Connect" or "Send Message"
Write a personalised message
Explain your interest
Suggest next steps
Writing an Effective Introduction
Elements to Include:
Brief introduction of yourself and your business
Why you're reaching out to them specifically
What you have in common
Your idea for collaboration
A suggested next step
Example Message:
Hi Sarah,
>
I'm Michael from Coastal Kayak Adventures. I came across your gorgeous B&B listing and noticed we're both focused on creating memorable experiences for visitors to the peninsula.
>
Many of my kayak tour guests ask for accommodation recommendations, and your property seems like a perfect fit—the waterfront location and emphasis on local hospitality aligns beautifully with what we offer.
>
I'd love to explore whether we might be able to recommend each other's businesses, or perhaps even create a combined package. Would you be interested in grabbing a coffee sometime next week to chat?
>
Looking forward to connecting,
Michael
Types of Partnerships
Referral Arrangements
The simplest partnership:
Recommend each other to guests
Provide brochures or business cards
Include in your "local recommendations"
No formal structure required
Cross-Promotion
Share marketing efforts:
Feature each other on social media
Include in email newsletters
Link from your websites
Share at events and markets
Package Deals
Create combined offerings:
"Stay and Experience" packages
Multi-operator itineraries
All-inclusive visitor experiences
Seasonal combination specials
Formal Partnerships
For deeper collaborations:
Joint ventures for specific offerings
Shared booking systems
Combined marketing campaigns
Revenue-sharing arrangements
Nurturing Relationships
Regular Communication
Stay connected with partners:
Catch up quarterly over coffee
Share industry news and insights
Discuss what's working and what isn't
Plan upcoming opportunities together
Show Appreciation
When partners send referrals:
Thank them personally
Share the outcome when appropriate
Reciprocate when possible
Acknowledge them publicly when suitable
Deliver Excellence
Nothing strengthens a partnership like:
Providing great experiences to referred guests
Making your partner look good
Being reliable and professional
Following through on commitments
Handle Challenges Gracefully
When issues arise:
Address concerns promptly
Communicate openly
Find solutions together
Don't let problems fester
Building a Network
Start Small
Begin with a few key partnerships and build from there.
Diversify
Connect with operators across different categories and services.
Quality Over Quantity
A few strong partnerships outweigh many superficial connections.
Be Generous
The best networkers give more than they ask for.
Stay Active
Regular engagement keeps relationships warm.
Collaborative Opportunities
Joint Events
Host events together:
Open days
Industry gatherings
Visitor experiences
Seasonal celebrations
Shared Content
Create content collaboratively:
Blog posts featuring partners
Video series showcasing the region
Photography sharing
Joint social media campaigns
Industry Groups
Participate in collective initiatives:
Tourism association meetings
Regional marketing programs
Industry training events
Community tourism planning
Mentorship
Both give and receive:
Share your expertise with newer operators
Learn from experienced industry members
Build knowledge across the community
Marketplace Connection Features
Following Operators
Follow operators to stay updated on their changes and offerings.
Saved Lists
Organise potential and current partners into lists.
Direct Messaging
Communicate directly through the Marketplace platform.
Connection Suggestions
The Marketplace may suggest potential partners based on your profile and activity.
Common Partnership Mistakes
Avoid:
Approaching without research
Expecting immediate reciprocation
Only reaching out when you need something
Not following through on commitments
Taking partnerships for granted
Poor communication during challenges
Getting Started Today
Identify three potential partners – Who complements your business?
Research their offerings – What makes them a good fit?
Reach out thoughtfully – Send personalised connection requests
Start simple – Begin with informal recommendations
Build gradually – Develop deeper collaboration over time
The tourism industry thrives on collaboration. By connecting with fellow operators, you strengthen not just your business but the entire visitor experience in your region.