The Operator Approval Process
As a regional manager, you play a vital role in maintaining the quality and integrity of tourism operators in your region. The approval process ensures that visitors can trust the businesses they discover through Tourism Accelerator. Here's how to handle operator applications effectively.
Understanding the Approval Workflow
When an operator registers for your region, they go through these stages:
Application Submitted: Operator completes their registration
Pending Review: Application lands in your approval queue
Under Review: You're actively assessing their application
Decision: Approved, changes requested, or declined
Accessing Pending Approvals
Navigate to your regional dashboard at
/regionalLook for the Pending Approvals card showing the count
Click to view all operators awaiting your review
Alternatively, go to Operators > Pending in the sidebar.
Reviewing an Application
Click on any pending operator to open their application. You'll be able to review:
Business Information
Legal business name and trading name
ABN (Australian Business Number)
Business category and subcategories
Physical address and contact details
Listing Content
Business description
Photos and media
Experiences or services offered
Operating hours and availability
Verification Documents
Proof of business registration
Insurance certificates
Relevant licences or accreditations
COVID-safe plans (if applicable)
Making Your Decision
After reviewing the application, you have three options:
Approve
If the application meets your standards:
Click the Approve button
Add an optional welcome message
Confirm the approval
The operator will be notified and their listing will become active.
Request Changes
If the application needs improvements:
Click Request Changes
Select the areas that need attention:
- Business details - Description quality - Photo quality - Missing documents - Other (specify)
Write a clear, helpful explanation of what's needed
Click Send Request
The operator will receive your feedback and can resubmit when ready.
Decline
If the application doesn't meet requirements:
Click Decline
Select the reason for declining
Provide a respectful explanation
Click Confirm Decline
Always be constructive—the operator may be able to reapply in the future.
Approval Criteria to Consider
When reviewing applications, assess:
Legitimacy: Is this a genuine tourism business?
Relevance: Does the business serve visitors to your region?
Quality: Does the listing present professionally?
Completeness: Is all required information provided?
Compliance: Are necessary documents and licences in order?
Tips for Efficient Approvals
Set aside dedicated time: Review applications regularly rather than letting them pile up
Be consistent: Apply the same standards to all operators
Communicate clearly: When requesting changes, be specific about what's needed
Be encouraging: Remember that operators may be new to digital marketing
Document decisions: Keep notes on why applications were declined for future reference
Approval Timeframes
Aim to review applications within:
Standard applications: 3-5 business days
Applications with minor issues: 7 business days (including back-and-forth)
Complex applications: 10 business days
Prompt reviews create a positive first impression and help operators get started quickly.
Handling Special Cases
Seasonal Operators
Some businesses only operate during certain periods. Approve them as normal—they can manage their visibility settings.
Multiple Locations
If an operator has locations in multiple regions, coordinate with other regional managers to ensure consistency.
Reapplications
If a previously declined operator reapplies, review their new application fresh, checking whether previous concerns have been addressed.
Your careful attention to the approval process helps maintain the high standards that make your region a trusted destination for visitors.