Trade Ready Introduction Program

Tourism WA's Trade Ready Introduction Program

Tourism WA's Trade Ready Introduction Program (TRIP) has been developed to assist established tourism operators to expand their business into the interstate and international markets, whilst increasing WA's presence and offering product diversity at out-of-state trade events. Over a three-year period, operators in the program are provided with stepped-financial assistance to attend in-market trade events and support in establishing relationships with buyers through various trade engagement opportunities. 

Following a formal expression of interest (EOI) application process, in the program's first year, 10 experienced operators were successfully onboarded into the program in 2024. The inaugural cohort attended the 2024 Australian Tourism Exchange (ATE) in Melbourne, where they conducted 82 pre-scheduled appointments each and attended various networking events. In addition to ATE24, the operators have participated in other Tourism Australia Marketplace events and Tourism WA Roadshows whilst receiving hands-on support in preparing for the trade events and building B2B connections.

WA tourism operators that are ready to expand their business into the interstate and international markets are encouraged to apply for TRIP.

Who is eligible to apply for TRIP?

Businesses will be assessed on their capability to meet the below eligibility requirements:

• Be a West Australian owned and operated tourism business, with headquarters in Western Australia.
• Be able to provide evidence of holding public liability insurance to a minimum of $10 million.
• Have product that is suitable for the domestic and/or international markets that will contribute to driving visitation to Western Australia.
• Have had limited or no face-to-face engagement with trade via industry events, conferences and trade missions, for example ATE, ATEC Meeting Place, Tourism Australia Marketplace, etc.
• Be able to demonstrate long-term commitment and operational stability to selling in the domestic and international markets.
• Be able to demonstrate Tourism as the primary focus of your business operations.
• Be available to commit to the program for the duration of three years. Commitment includes financial commitment and time to travel and attend trade events, meetings and presentations relating to TRIP.
• Be able to demonstrate marketing activities in the intrastate market (this can include association and activity with your relevant RTO/Visitor Centre).
• Have a business listing with the Australian Tourism Data Warehouse (ATDW)
• Presence and engagement through social media platforms.
• Have an existing website with an online booking platform.
• Have product with scheduled availability and have an existing, or be willing to develop, a rate sheet for trade, with a minimum commission structure of 25% for Wholesalers and Tourism WA's Key Distribution Partners. Rates can be negotiable for smaller Online Travel Agents and Retailers.

2025 TRIP Program – EOI deadline extended