The Agritourism Accelerator is a foundational programme for any business wanting to branch into Agritourism. The format of the programme includes a full day Planning Day, a series of one hour webinars, and access to an impressive range of information, tools and resources on the Agritourism.nz website. Each of the webinars in the programme covers an essential topic: agritourism product development, product pricing, marketing, health and safety, and growing online visibility. Marijke’s teaching style is engaging and participative, and her knowledge on each subject is comprehensive. And the templates, tools and resources are very accessible, practical and user-friendly. This course helps people to navigate the complex tourism environment in a manner that is both digestible and achievable, and is ideal for anyone who wants to venture into Agritourism, but doesn’t quite know where to start.
Janet Ellery Sector Development Senior Kaiwhakawhanake Rāngai Tautōhito Central Economic Development Agency (CEDA)
Dave & Janene Divers
“I have found the Agritourism Success Programme invaluable, both personally as well as for our AgriTourism business.
We have utilised this knowledge as the Programme has continued and we are already, in a relatively short space of time, seeing an increase in enquiry, bookings and the social media following of our business. It is a course that I would highly recommend for anyone that is wanting to upskill themselves, build on their business (or business idea in its infancy) or indeed, take their business to the next level.
The Strategic Planning Day at the start of the programme had an excellent outline for how to go about structuring your business, planning and building blocks for where to start and how to move forward- with practical, relevant activities that would benefit any business. In addition to this informative and beneficial planning day, the support afterwards that is provided by Marijke, both through one on one consultations as well as the email contact and webinars that follow, is exceptional and far exceeds expectations.
The resources on the website that are provided and made accessible for the participants throughout the duration of the Agritourism Success Programme are outstanding. Lastly, Marijke’s wealth of knowledge and experience is leading in this industry and ensures all participants are receiving the highest level of education, information and support. I cannot recommend this Programme highly enough for those who are truly serious about growing their Tourism Business and making it a real ‘success’.” Janene Divers – Cascade Creek Retreat / Divers Farm www.cascadecreekretreat.co.nz
Reviews posted on the Regional Business Partner website:
More testimonials from previous tourism course participants
Kate Norris - Trips and Tramps (www.tripsandtramps.com)
"Signing up and completing the Marketing for Success Programme has been a turning point in our business! It has given me the tools to market Trips & Tramps with confidence and take the business forward.
Marketing our business is now a priority and we have been reaping the rewards with growth in our business. Now rather than avoiding the marketing, I am confident of what I am doing, to the extend I now actually enjoy it! The emphasis on planning has been invaluable to me personally too, as it ensures I get my set tasks done in a timely manner.
With 4 active children and the business it can sometimes juggle to fit everything into a day, but now with a bit of planning we have more balance in our lives. I would definitely recommend this course to anyone who is ready to take their business to the next step. Marijke has incredible knowledge of marketing tourism products and competing the course is very motivating.
I have just registered for the Advanced Marketing for Success Programme!" Kate Norris ________________________________________ Jill Mitchell-Larrivee , Fiordland Helicopters (www.fiordlandhelicopters.co.nz):
"Five months into the Marketing for Success Programme and I have achieved some things that I have been trying to work out how to do for years! Having a chance to discuss ideas with others with similar goals is invaluable and you find that, even though the participating businesses are different - we actually all have many goals in common, and therefore similar hurdles to overcome. Often someone in the group has already trialled and erred and worked out the best solution.
Marijke has the knowledge and experience to understand an idea, offer her opinion on it if you ask, and then help set achievable goals to execute the idea. She is able to show us examples of different marketing strategies that she has used for various projects and illustrate why they have or haven't worked. It feels like the content is all taken from her own work, rather than a presentation of information gathered from others. This makes it easy to respect and value her ideas. Marijke is an excellent presenter. The environment is non threatening and inviting, discussion is encouraged and ideas flow freely. I look forward to the monthly workshops which start with a review of what has been achieved by members of the group that month- a clever motivational tool! The 12 month course is well worth the investment if you are wanting to set, prioritise and achieve both business and personal goals.
I would recommend it to anyone making decisions in the huge, and sometimes very confusing world of marketing." ________________________________________ Alana Rabette, Marketing Manager Trail Journeys (www.trailjourneys.co.nz) says:
"I started attending the Marketing for Success Programme in January and have found this a really positive experience. As well as meeting like-minded people it is also a great environment to discuss ideas and new ways to promote and build your business. Each session is informative and productive and having the encouragement of the group and Marijke it keeps you on task with making sure you achieve the goals that you set at the start.
I would have no hesitation in recommending this programme and think it is really valuable to anyone in a marketing role." Alana Rabette ________________________________________ Diana Holden, Director of Break One Clay Target Sports (www.breakone.co.nz):
"This programme has been beneficial on many levels - the small groups that allow people to connect and share ideas and information, the content of the course is very diverse and this is great as it cover the many facets involved in marketing a business in an ever-changing world. But the best thing is the on-going monthly meetings that not only cover new topics, but ensure follow up and accountability to keep you on task with going forward, in a positive, encouraging and fun manner in order to get successful results!" Diana Holden ________________________________________ Carlyn McLintock of Highview Apartments Queenstown (www.highviewapartments.co.nz):
"I have found the Marketing for Success Course brilliant for motivating me to finish a task started and has given me great insight into other avenues of profiling our product, thinking outside of the basic box. Also the networking and problem solving sessions have been invaluable. Totally worth the value and time." Carlyn McLintock ________________________________________ Kerri James, owner of Radfords on the Lake (www.radfordsonthelake.co.nz)
"Radford’s on the Lake has utilized the services of Strategies Marketing over the past four years. The advice and practical skills given has significantly enhanced our business during the recession to the point our business actually grew through some of the tough times.
Because of my past experience with Marijke, I felt I could benefit from her new programme - ” Marketing for Success” it has been invaluable to me personally and to the way I operate my business. I have been able to immediately and successfully apply what I have learnt. Attending the monthly course over the year has enabled us to keep focused and be accountable to action our action plans on a monthly basis.
I would recommend this course to any business owner that needs to set a Marketing Plan in place, and keep to the plan with the monthly follow up meetings. “The Marketing for Success programme” is excellent. It exceeded my expectations. Planning is one thing, completing is another! This plan is fully “implementation possible” and structured to do so! Thank you.” Kerri James ________________________________________ Testimonials of Economic Development agencies:
Great South (previously: Venture Southland) "Great South has contracted with Strategies Marketing Consultancy over the past 20 years to provide training workshops and coaching for the New Zealand Trade and Enterprise's Enterprise Training Programme and Business Capability Voucher Scheme, taking advantage if their expertise in both marketing and tourism.
The workshops presented have always been well attended with positive responses about the quality of the course material as well as the presenter's [Marijke Dunselman] knowledge, expertise and delivery.
In addition to the direct involvement in these training opportunities, Venture Southland is keenly aware of the contribution that Strategies Marketing Consultancy has made in the development of Southland businesses through providing professional services and the involvement in community projects.
As the Regional Partner for Southland, we would like to recommend Strategies Marketing Consultancy as an approved Provider for the Capability Development Voucher Scheme."
Alistair Adam - Enterprise Services Manager Venture Southland www.venturesouthland.co.nz ________________________________________ Development West Coast
"I have had the pleasure of working with Marijke Dunselman over my seven year role as Chief Executive of Development West Coast. During that time, Marijke has advised our organisation on a number of matters, including our strategic marketing plan, and annual marketing plan. She has undertaken expert tuition for our enterprise training programmes, and I have also worked alongside Marijke as a fellow director in one of our client companies.
Marijke has truly international level experience in the tourism sector, recognised by many of New Zealand's leading tourism companies.
Her Enterprise Training Tourism courses are extremely popular with both small and large tourism operators.
I have found Marijke to have great character, honesty and talent. She is a great team member and has excellent presentation skills.
Marijke is developing her governance skills and expanding from her specialist marketing and tourism spheres into operating at a governance and advisory level. I am sure she will continue to be successful in this endeavour."
Mike Trousselot (Former) Chief Executive Officer Development West Coast www.dwc.org.nz
________________________________________ Carlyn McLintock of Highview Apartments, Queenstown, attended the Tourism Marketing Bootcamp and the E-Marketing Bootcamp and has also received one-to-one marketing coaching.
"Since completing the thoroughly worthwhile Marketing Bootcamp I have also attended the E-Marketing Bootcamp and received so much more useful information, ideas and am overwhelmed at the response it is getting since putting it into action.
Marijke has been my guardian angel with so many projects now including getting ready for TRENZ. Without her fantastic guidance I wouldn’t have been able to make business contacts with half of the people we did or the courage.
With the planning and preparation Marijke’s one on one sessions taught me, I went along feeling confident, organised and best of all felt both our company and the buyers I had appointments with received value. I can’t wait for the next opportunity to work with Marijke and have recommended her to so many of my friends and colleagues."
"Besides being fun, interactive and a day out of the office, the bootcamp also allowed us to step back and take a look at the BIG PICTURE. I have come away feeling refreshed, motivated and focused on my action plan. It is also reassuring to know that the marketing challenges we face are similar to others in the industry but there are heaps of practical steps we can take to turn these into opportunities. Thanks Marijke!"
Michelle McCormack , Aoraki Mt Cook Alpine Village Ltd www.hermitage.co.nz ________________________________________ Blake and Diana Holden of Break One Target Sports attended the Tourism Marketing Bootcamp.
"A very informative and up to date workshop that encouraged me to fully look at, and provided fantastic ideas for, all aspects of marketing in growing my business. It was particularly relevant due to its tourism focus."
Diana & Blake Holden Break One Clay Target Sports – Queenstown www.breakone.co.nz ________________________________________ Jan attended the "Tourism Marketing Bootcamp"
“A ten hour Bootcamp on marketing seemed a daunting prospect for me as a new tourist venture operator with no previous knowledge of the trade but I believe it was the best move I could have made for our marketing campaign and excellent value for money. We had been open for five months and had some information about our clients and potential clients but I didn’t now know what to do with that information. I now know who my target market is and how best to market to them. The networking and helpful advice from other bootcamp participants was also invaluable. I came away with a marketing plan which is realistic and achievable. Marijke's tutoring style was brilliant as we were all from very diverse businesses knowledge levels but she kept us all involved and with it for the whole ten hours, not an easy task. Thank you, Marijke!”
Jan Thomas - Omarama Hot Tubs www.hottubsomarama.co.nz ________________________________________ Arthur attended the "Tourism Marketing Bootcamp"
"Just wanted to pass on my thanks again for a fantastic course on Thursday. I learned a lot, and the day really helped to bring together a lot of the threads of ideas I've had, but have never been able to action or given proper thought to. One of the great things I've taken away is that most of what you covered doesn't actually "cost" a business a lot of money. The investment is time to research and develop these ideas..."
Arthur McBride - Alpine Guides www.alpineguides.co.nz www.skithetasman.co.nz ________________________________________ Christine Wallace and Mike McConachie of Milford Sound Lodge attended the Tourism Marketing Bootcamp.
"We recently attended the 10 hour Marketing Bootcamp and we are happy to say our expectations of the day were exceeded. We felt the material covered relevant issues and topics as well as raising awareness of others. The material was delivered in an easy to understand manner and the smaller group meant there was time for discussion and questions. The setting was comfortable, spacious and Marijke had gone to some effort with refreshments which was appreciated. We came away from the extremely productive 10 hour day feeling it had flown by. We now have a clear idea of who our market is, how we should be targeting them and a clear action plan to follow to achieve our objectives. The day helped clear away confusion and simplified our marketing decision making process. It was an investment in time and money that in the long run will save us the same ten times over."
"Fantastic day, many thanks. Definitely an advantage in refocusing our marketing efforts and putting together a comprehensive marketing plan."
Anita Golden Southern Discoveries Ltd www.southerdiscoveries.co.nz ________________________________________ David O'Brien of Birchwook Manor attended the Tourism Marketing Bootcamp
"This was a day very worthwhile attending for a new person in the industry. Marijke had a very well organised programme and the 10 hour session was interesting and informative the whole way through. The day has been of great value to us as we look ahead to our marketing and advertising programme."
David O'Brien Birchwood Manor www.birchwoodmanor.co.nz ________________________________________ Linsey has completed the 5 stage Advanced Marketing Training Programme
"Wow! As a recent business buyer these marketing courses with Marijke have already increased bookings for us. The important relationships built with both other operators and Marijke. Marijke has a great interest in all of our businesses. She is also proud of our achievements within our marketing and other business tasks. The innovations and unique ideas she gives us help us to understand other businesses we work with in the region. Thanks Marijke!"
Linsey Evans - Sunset Motels - Fox Glacier www.sunsetmotels.co.nz ________________________________________ Catherine has completed the 5 stage Advanced Marketing Training Programme
"Opportunity to stop outside work routine and think about marketing. Excellent to form a marketing plan and learn marketing gems that would otherwise be difficult to find or expensive to obtain."
Catherine Johnson Stuart Nimmo Gallery www.stuartnimmo.co.nz ________________________________________ Hemi has completed the 5 stage Advanced Marketing Training Programme
"Marijke is a great presenter of the programmes and workshops. She uses a logical pattern of format and thinking which clarifies and reduces the professional mystique of marketing, so that it is easy to follow and implement. She stimulates and supports you as an individual, rekindling your enthusiasm. Highly recommended to all."
Hemi Te Rakau Awatuna Homestead www.awatunahomestead.co.nz ________________________________________ Shelley has completed the 5 stage Advanced Marketing Training Programme
"Excellent access to information that has been easy to implement instantly. I've been able to take several points away from each workshop to use - wholesaler info, packaging, press release, website. Lots of personalised ideas through feedback from others in the class which is really nice to get!."
Shelley Alexander Matheson Cafe & Reflectionz www.lakematheson.com ________________________________________ Geoff has completed the 5 stage Advanced Marketing Training Programme
"The workshops have been superb for filling in the gaps and developing improved marketing systems for our company. The complete course has been very well put together and presented. Marketing has been superbly covered."
Geoff Schurr - Norwest Adventures www.caverafting.com ________________________________________ Paula has completed the 5 stage Advanced Marketing Training Programme
"Motivation! Great & easy to apply advice - very practical. Especially focused towards to area and size of businesses (it wasn't geared to too broad a spectrum). Very personable. We did a new brochure & website and many ideas were drawn directly from these workshops. Thank you! Also was a great forum for networking."
Paula Sheridan - Okarito Boat Tours www.okaritoboattours.co.nz ________________________________________ Celine has completed the 5 stage Advanced Marketing Training Programme
"I always walk out of one of Marijke's workshops with a new, practical idea of how to improve our marketing. I get remotivated!"
Celine Stokowski Marketing Manager Beachfront Hotel Hokitika www.beachfronthotel.co.nz ________________________________________ Olivia has completed the Advanced Marketing Training Programme
"Having just completed the 5 stage Advanced Marketing Training Programme, they were the most comprehensive and all encompassing I have attended. Marijke really gets you to look at your marketing from all angles and presents different avenues you probably hadn't thought of. Her national and international marketing experience and contacts are priceless."
Olivia Robinson The Gold Room - Hokitika www.thegoldroom.co.nz ________________________________________ Noreen attended the Marketing on a Shoestring workshop
"An excellent and timely session for me. Information (written, powerpoint, verbal) succinctly and simply presented. Plentiful, relevant & expert examples utilised. Thought provoking! Loved the opportunity to identify action plan and goal setting. Well worth attending. Thank you Marijke."
Noreen Mc Loughlin McLoughlin Consulting ________________________________________ Caroline attended the Marketing on a Shoestring workshop
"Thank you for running the marketing course yesterday. I have found upon returning to work today that I feel refreshed in my approach to promoting DOC, and inspired to make some changes according to my action plan. I have started work on all but one of my actions so far."
Caroline Carter - Community Relations Department of Conservation, Te Anau area office www.doc.govt.nz ________________________________________ Karen has attended several of our marketing workshops.
"Marijke has presented a series of workshops in our area which has covered all aspects of Marketing and Advertising for Small Business within the Tourism Industry. Her knowledge of this subject and its specific application to a diverse range of individual tourism - based businesses has been not only specific, very comprehensive but totally MIND BOGGLING !!!
Marijke's professional advice and assistance to us in this process has included setting up the internal infrastructure for marketing & advertising, market identifying & targeting, sources & resources available for implementing these plans, image projection & enhancement of the business assets and much, much more !! Marijke's professionalism and comprehensive knowledge are an invaluable asset to NZ's Tourism Industry and Tourism operators. "
Dave & Janene Divers
