When running a tourism business, the effective running of the business is as important as the quality of the tourism product. Too many businesses fail due to owners not having the necessary skills, or not making the time to focus on the management aspects of business ownership.

Key business management functions can include:

Planning and monitoring, and most importantly turning plans in to actions

• Daily checklists, weekly tasks, monthly reviews and annual goals
• Record keeping and taxation planning
• Involvement and management of industry relationships
• Marketing and communications
• Legal and regulatory
• Policies and procedures

Organising resources and assets

• Ordering supplies
• Improving yield
• Maintenance of equipment
• Asset replacement and protection
• Risk Management
• Record keeping

Staff management

• Leading by example, motivating staff and ensuring efficiency
• Communication
• Payroll
• Rostering
• Legal and regulatory compliance (superannuation, award conditions etc)

There are a number of courses which can equip you with the necessary skills in small business management. To find training courses or workshops in your state or territory, search in our training programs database.

If you have limited experience or training in business management, you may benefit from the services of a business mentor or by looking for business assistance. To find out what assistance is on offer in your area, search in our assistance database.

Small Business Development Corporation has a wealth of business management information on their website, as does the business.gov.au website.