NEW FACE OF BED & BREAKFAST AND FARMSTAY IN AUSTRALIA

The Board of Bed & Breakfast and Farmstay Australia Inc (BBFA) has elected Jane Clarke, from South Australia, as their new Chairperson.

Ms Clarke, Board Director of the South Australian Tourism Commission 2005-2007, Chair & Dept Chair of Bed and Breakfast and Farmstay SA 2002-2007 and a BBFA Board member 2003-2005 succeeds Peter Cook from Queensland as the new Chair.

"Peter has done a great job over the last few years as Chair; he was instrumental in forming the national body of BBFA four years ago and has since worked tirelessly encouraging all States and Territories to work within a national frame work still maintaining a solid State based environment"

"BBFA currently represents in excess of 950 bed & breakfast, farmstay and cottage operators of an estimated total of 6000 operators Australia wide; representing a conservative $600 million annual turnover this sector needs to take itself far more seriously; the time is right to become much more visible in the eyes of the consumer."

"Our products are globally sought, with many operators across the country in good locations, booked months in advance. The success of our industry sector relates directly to the success of regional tourism and I'm pleased to say we are in great shape" says Ms Clarke

"Following our first Strategic Planning Day with the new Board, it was agreed unanimously to fully scope the potential of a truly national body; one where the current State Associations are assisted by the economies of scale of a national administration centre whilst also being supported in their marketing efforts with local and national marketing campaigns."

"We will do this by, firstly, ensuring our symbol (pictured) is identified as one that gives consumer confidence when choosing any one of our members' properties.

It will become synonymous with good value for money and truth in advertising.

When travelers around the country and from around the globe choose to stay with our members, they will have peace of mind knowing that every one of our operators adheres to a national code of conduct."

"The new Board, consisting of Janet Samons (Western Australia), Gina Scott (Tasmania), Geoffrey Chapman (Victoria), Wayne Cooper (New South Wales/ACT), John Atkin (Queensland) and Heather Boulden (Northern Territory), has many years of tourism experience and I am looking forward to working with them in creating a new era for our industry sector in Australia" says Ms Clarke.

"The Board of BBFA has strong relationships within the Australian tourism industry with many of its Board members currently contributing at a regional and state level by way of industry liaison groups, regional boards and local tourism authorities right across the country. We will be continuing our work with AAA Tourism and State Accreditation bodies in maintaining the high standards that our Association encourages" says Ms Clarke.

Jane Clarke completes her two year appointment as Board Director of the South Australian Tourism Commission in October 2007 and is looking forward to taking on this national role with Bed & Breakfast and Farmstay Australia.

Jane Clarke can be contacted on 08 8339 7607

For further information contact:
Liz Pryor, Administrative Officer
Bed & Breakfast and Farmstay Australia Inc.
Phone (AU): 03 9431 5417 or 1300 664 707
Phone (International): +61 3 9431 5417

admin@australianbedandbreakfast.com.au
www.australianbedandbreakfast.com.au