Terms of participation - Agent Event Policy
1. Corroboree West 2019 (the Event)
The following terms of participation apply to the Event, which comprises:
a) One-day host destination familiarisation
b) Three-day workshop
c) Networking functions as part of the workshop program
d) Five-night familiarisation program in one of a selection of destinations across Australia
e) Travel and accommodation as part of the workshop, networking functions and familiarisation programs
By submitting an application, and if registered, by participating in the Event, you agree that these Terms govern your application and participation in the Event, together with the Selection Criteria and Tourism Australia’s External Privacy Policy. In addition to these terms, you must comply with any terms required by a State or Territory Tourism Organisation (STO) and/or Operator in respect of any activity, product or service forming part of your itinerary.
2. Familiarisation Program
As part of the Event, Tourism Australia coordinates the Familiarisation Program (FP) in conjunction with the STOs. The FP is a program operated by the STOs, under which Travel Agents are invited to visit an Australian destination or use products and services with the view to extend their knowledge of Australia and successfully sell holidays to the destination. The FP is not part of the official event program and are owned by the host state. Tourism Australia will not be liable for any loss or damage arising from your participation in famil events pre or post event. The FP cannot be exchanged for cash.
3. Organisation representation
All references to “you” or “your” in these Terms means the organisation that is listed as the applicant in the Application Form that is applying for participation in the Event, and all rights conferred and obligations imposed on you in these Terms are deemed to have been accepted by and imposed on the organisation and its employees, agents and contractors. Any breach of these Terms by you, or any of your employees, contractors, licensees or invitees of your organisation constitutes a breach of these Terms by the organisation.
4. Eligibility criteria
To be eligible to apply, your nominated representative must meet the relevant Selection Criteria for your market. Minimum criteria is as follows
i. Qualified Aussie Specialist or Premier Aussie Specialist (excluding North America)
ii. Must have completed the Western Australia module. Preference is given to agents who have completed all eight state and territory modules
iii. Have manager’s approval, agree to the participation fee and to attend all components of the training workshop, functions and famil itinerary
a) Your nominated representative specified in the Application Form is at least 18 years of age as at the date the application is submitted;
b) Your nominated representative has a proficient level of written and spoken English;
c) Your nominated representative must be employed by you, and continue to be employed by you throughout the duration of the Event, in a full-time capacity; and
d) You must not be insolvent and must be in good financial standing with the Australia tourism industry. Should the need arise to verify your financial standing, a review will be conducted via domestic or international agencies as appropriate, and adverse findings will be referred to the applicant for comment.
5. Application process
a) In order to apply to participate in the Event, you must fill out all required fields of the Event application form (Application Form) including provide all supporting documentation required by Tourism Australia
b) All applications must be received in full by Tourism Australia by 5:00 p.m. AEST on Friday, 17 May 2019. Tourism Australia reserves the right to reject any application or part thereof which is received after the submission date.
c) You are only permitted to submit one application per agent as an employee of referenced organisation.
d) Upon receipt by Tourism Australia of your completed Application Form in accordance with these Terms, Tourism Australia retains the right to determine, in its sole discretion, whether you or your nominated representative can register for the Event and determine any conditions of participation in line with the policies of the Event, or to reject any application for any reason whatsoever, or for no reason at all. You acknowledge that there is no obligation whatsoever on Tourism Australia to approve applications and that Tourism Australia may reject any applicant, or any employee, agent or representative of any applicant, with or without reason. You forever waive and discharge any claim against Tourism Australia (including its agents, employees or representatives) for any direct or indirect loss or damages that may arise as a result of the rejection of your application.
e) Tourism Australia will notify all accepted applicants who are eligible to register for the Event.
6. Registration and payment
a) In order to be registered for the Event, each accepted applicant must pay the required participation fee (Registration Fee). Exemptions of the fee may be made in some circumstances at Tourism Australia’s sole discretion.
b) As part of simplifying the registration process for all events, we have moved to online credit card payments. Payment will be required at time of offer acceptance and all credit card merchant fees will be absorbed by Tourism Australia excluding international payment fees that are your responsibility.
c) If payment of the Registration Fee is not received in full by Tourism Australia by 11:59pm (AEST) on Friday 21 June 2019, Tourism Australia reserves the right to not register you for the Event, cancel your participation and offer the place to another organisation.
d) The Registration Fee does not include any insurance or visa fees.
e) All costs for a company’s participation in a trade event coordinated by Tourism Australia, and any other overdue accounts with Tourism Australia globally, must be paid in full prior to you being able to register for the Event.
7. Travel and Accommodation Terms
a) As part of the Event, Tourism Australia will arrange your:
i. Travel to and from Australia via a main gateway city as advised in your Itinerary; and
ii. Visit to the specified destination within Australia (including accommodation, activities and meals as per your Itinerary).
b) You must arrange your own travel and all associated costs to and from the gateway city notified in your Itinerary, at your own expense.
c) Dates are subject to change by prior written notice to you.
d) Tourism Australia reserves the right to change the itineraries at any time.
e) Flights are economy class and upgrades are not available. Normal baggage restrictions apply as per the carrier’s own requirements. Frequent flyer points cannot be accrued. E-tickets will be issued before departure. No changes to flights can occur after booking has been made, and no changes to flights can be made to accommodate any personal pre or post Event arrangements.
f) Accommodation will be on a twin-share basis at all times. Upgrades to single rooms are not available.
g) You must have a credit card for accommodation check-in as deposit for any personal expenses, and as may otherwise be required from a supplier as part of the Event.
8. Your obligations
a) Itinerary:
i. Tourism Australia endeavours to send you your final itinerary within 14 days prior to travel. Your itinerary has been designed for a group of Travel Agents with the aim of increasing your product knowledge of Australia as a destination. It is mandatory that you attend the entire Itinerary and Event inclusions.
ii. If any issues arise that compromise your ability to attend a part of the Itinerary, you must notify your designated Event escort prior to the activity taking place.
iii. Exclusions: Except where expressly stated otherwise, you are solely responsible for all personal expenses incurred by you throughout the Event including (without limitation) mini bar, in-room entertainment, internet and wifi, laundry service, telephone, fax or other communication costs, tipping, departure taxes, drinks and alcohol and meals not specifically included in the Itinerary, etc.
b) Visa: Prior to arriving in Australia, you must arrange for and hold an applicable visa that is appropriate for the duration of your stay in Australia. Tourism Australia will not be responsible for your visa application or any visa-related matters in connection with your visa application. Tourism Australia recommends that you follow the relevant guidelines of the Australian Government Department of Home Affairs, through its website, your local Australian embassy/consulate or that you seek the assistance of a registered migration agent. You must ensure that you comply with the terms of your visa to ensure its validity for the duration of your participation in the Event.
c) Insurance: Tourism Australia will not arrange any personal insurance for you or on your behalf in connection with your participation in the Event. As part of your participation in the Event, you agree to take out and maintain travel and medical insurance for claims associated with your participation in the Event.
d) Security: Security services will be provided for the event. However, all participants are advised that all valuables should not be left unattended or unsecured at any time. Tourism Australia accepts no responsibility for any loss or damage suffered by participants or visitors.
e) Privacy of other participants: Tourism Australia may provide you with information relating to other participants of the Event and you agree to keep all such information strictly confidential. Such details are for your own information only and you must not use them for any other purpose, including that you must not share them with any third party whatsoever.
f) Feedback: An official Event evaluation and feedback form must be completed and returned to Tourism Australia within the time-frame requested.
g) Cancellation: If after registration, you are no longer able to attend the Event, you must as soon as practicable advise Tourism Australia in writing. A cancellation fee equal to the full amount of the Participation Fee applies for cancellations notified from 10 August 2019 and to registered participants who do not attend the Event, regardless of whether the participation fee has been paid. A cancellation fee equal to 50% of the full amount of the participation fee applies for cancellations notified from 3 June 2019 to 9 August 2019. TA reserves the right to:
i. Cancel the participation of an organisation that has an outstanding account with TA and/ or the payment of which has not been cleared thirty (30) working days prior to the commencement of the event. You acknowledge that if this should occur, you have no right of action, claim, proceeding or demand against TA for such cancellation;
ii. Cancel the participation of such an organisation despite the fact that TA has accepted deposit funds from that organisation; and
iii. Apply cancellation fees as per the dates published on the website, which are enforceable at the time an Aussie Specialist accepts TA’s offer to participate in the event
iv. All cancellations must be confirmed in writing to TA by email to taindustryevents@tourism.australia.com. Cancellation fees apply regardless of whether the participation fee has been paid. Cancellation fees will apply in line with dates outlined in the application process from the time the offer to attend has been accepted.
h) You warrant that:
i. you will at all times comply with all laws and obey the reasonable directions and requirements of Tourism Australia, the STOs, Organisers and any other third party as directed by Tourism Australia;
ii. you will not be involved in any conduct or make any statement either orally or in writing which in the reasonable opinion of Tourism Australia, is likely to cause detriment, disrepute, damage, injury or loss to Tourism Australia, including without limitation any inappropriate behavior, harassment, violence, racial vilification, intoxication, downloading illegal or offensive material using internet services provided during the Event, or any other act or behavior which interferes with the enjoyment, comfort or safety of other persons;
iii. you will conduct yourself in a responsible and professional manner at all times;
iv. you will wear appropriate smart casual attire for the flights, FP and workshops; and
v. that you have full power and authority to agree to the Terms and observe the obligations hereunder, and that the acceptance, delivery and performance of these Terms has been duly and validly authorized by all necessary corporate action.
i) Participation in the Event is unique only to the nominated representative as accepted by Tourism Australia. It is not possible for partners or any additional persons to accompany an accepted Aussie Specialist.
Agents should share their experience on social media during their travels and train colleagues on return to their home country.
10. Use of your image
You acknowledge and agree that Tourism Australia or its agents may take photos or recordings of you throughout your participation in the Event, and that Tourism Australia, its partners and affiliates may use the photos or recordings for future promotional and marketing purposes without further reference or compensation to you. Your image will also be archived with Tourism Australia and may be used by Tourism Australia and sponsors for the promotion of future events.
11. Privacy
a) You consent to Tourism Australia collecting and storing your personal information including all of the information contained in the Application Form, for the purposes of:
i. Administering and managing the Event, including that Tourism Australia will share your information with all relevant STO’s, Organisers and suppliers and third parties involved in the delivery of the Event;
ii. Distributing your information to other Event participants, sponsors and Organisers; and
iii. Sharing with other Australian organisations with a similar purpose to Tourism Australia (such as state and territory tourism authorities) who are also involved in the Event.
b) Tourism Australia may also use your personal information to contact you in the future for purposes relating to the Event or to promote future events.
c) All personal information collected will be handled in accordance with the Tourism Australia External Privacy Policy which can be found at http://www.tourism.australia.com/en/privacy-policy.html, which also contains information about disclosures and rights of access. You acknowledge that if you do not or are unable to provide some or all of the personal information required by Tourism Australia, Tourism Australia may not be able to register you for participation in the Event.
12. Code of Conduct
a) Companies are responsible for all delegates representing them at Corroboree West 2019 and related events. All participants must adhere to the Tourism Australia Event Code of Conduct, which is a condition of participation at all Tourism Australia events.
b) Tourism Australia may, in its sole discretion, refuse a delegate entry into, or remove a delegate from, any Corroboree West 2019 event (official, unofficial or related events) and prohibit them and/or their company from participating in the remainder of Corroboree West 2019 (and/or future Corroboree events) without compensation, if Tourism Australia considers, acting reasonably, that the delegate is acting in a contravention of Tourism Australia’s Code of Conduct – for example, actin in such a way that:
i. Interferes with the enjoyment, comfort or safety of other persons at the event(s); or
ii. Threatens the reputation of Tourism Australia or the Corroboree West 2019 event.
c) This includes, but is not limited to, inappropriate behaviour such as harassment, violence, racial vilification, intoxication and downloading illegal material using Internet services provided at Corroboree West 2019.
d) Companies are responsible for creating a business environment within their booth space. Noisy distractions are not permissible (e.g. loud presentations on laptops and plasmas/screens, stand displays or interactive equipment). Entertainment must be restricted to the breaks and outside the allocated appointment times (i.e. morning and afternoon teas) and subject to Tourism Australia’s approval.
13. Workplace Health and Safety
a) Health and Safety is each participant’s individual responsibility at Corroboree West 2019. Tourism Australia will not be held liable for any direct, indirect or consequential loss suffered as a result of a breach of the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth) and Work Health and Safety Regulations 2011 (Cth) and companies and individual participants acknowledge their responsibilities and liabilities imposed upon them under this legislation.
14. Indemnity and release
a) You indemnify and hold harmless Tourism Australia (including its directors, employees, agents and contractors) (together, the indemnified) from and against all actions, proceedings, claims, costs, expenses and demands that may be brought or made against the indemnified by any person in respect of any loss, damage, theft, personal injury or death occurring to any person or property arising out of or in connection with your participation in the Event. This indemnity includes any costs incurred by the indemnified in defending any actions, proceedings, claims and demands or in being represented at proceedings.
b) TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, YOU WAIVE, RELEASE AND DISCHARGE THE INDEMNIFIED FROM ANY AND ALL LIABILITY (INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION FOR DEATH, PERSONAL INJURY, PROPERTY DAMAGE, PROPERTY THEFT OR ACTIONS OF ANY KIND) THAT MAY BE SUFFERED BY YOU ARISING OUT OF OR IN CONNECTION WITH YOUR PARTICIPATION IN THE Event.
c) You agree that to the extent permitted by law, Tourism Australia and its STO partners, will not be liable to you for any indirect or consequential loss, loss of income, profits, revenue or business, loss of or damage to goodwill, loss of business reputation, loss of data, loss of access to markets, loss of production, loss or denial of business opportunity, loss of anticipated savings, business interruption, or damage to credit rating, howsoever arising out your participation in the Event.
d) To the extent permitted by law, Tourism Australia’s maximum aggregate liability to you arising out of or in relation to the Event shall in no circumstances exceed the amount of your Participation Fee.
e) You agree that in order to participate in the Event, you must also sign any required STO liability form as required.
15. Miscellaneous
a) You acknowledge that no part of the Event is transferable to any other person, and cannot be redeemed or exchanged in any manner.
b) Cancellation of Event: Tourism Australia may at any time and at its discretion reduce the scope of, postpone or cancel the Event or parts of the Itinerary. Should this occur, Tourism Australia will provide as much notice as possible and if the Event is cancelled, Tourism Australia will refund your participation fees in the same form of the original payment in full and final discharge of any claims you may have arising out of or in connection with such cancellation.
c) Force majeure: Tourism Australia may, in the case of a Force Majeure Event, and with as much notice as possible, cancel or postpone the Event without liability, except to issue a refund to you in line with the Cancellation of Event clause above. Force Majeure Events include but are not limited to an act of God, fire, lightning, earthquake, explosions, flood, subsidence or other natural disaster, insurrection or civil disorder or military operations or act of terrorism, expropriation, strikes, lock outs or other industrial disputes of any kind not relating solely to the party affected, currency restriction, embargo, public utility or common carrier or computer disruption due to the effects of a virus or other malicious code introduced other than through the acts or omissions of the party seeking relief.
d) Removal and exclusion: Tourism Australia reserves the right to remove you from the Event and/or exclude your participation in the Event and any future events, without compensation to you, if in its sole discretion (a) your behaviour is or becomes inappropriate, offensive or abusive, (b) it is necessary to prevent damage to any property (c) it is necessary on medical or health and safety grounds (including possible harm or injury to any person).
e) Applicable law: These Terms are subject to the laws of New South Wales, Australia.