TOURISM BLOG / BEACH HUTS MIDDLETON
BEACH HUTS MIDDLETON
Centrally located between Goolwa and Port Elliot on the Fleurieu Peninsula, the family owned business that is Beach Huts Middleton opened in 2002. Having started with six on site beach huts, the business has grown over the past 16 years and now offers 12 brightly coloured, individually designed huts.
Owner Dave Palmer says each beach hut is named after a well-known Australian beach and provides a fresh eclectic mix of new and old, which is continuosly evolving.
“There is always something changing at Beach Huts Middleton. Over the past 12 months we have been busy with major renovations to our ‘Torquay’ and ‘Portsea’ huts.
“Torquay has been transformed from a one to a two bedroom hut, which has helped alleviate the constant demand for family huts particularly over holiday periods.
“Our Portsea hut has seen an interior re-paint and décor change to make it brighter and modern. We have many repeat visitors, so it is always nice to show them something different. It is important to remember in business, change is progress.
“We have also recently purchased a 16kw solar power system and developed a new corporate package, which we look forward to promoting to the public very soon,” says Dave.
No doubt a great highlight for the business was being crowned best Standard Accommodation at the 2018 South Australian Tourism Awards. Dave considers the program to have provided an opportunity for the business to not only review their goals but identify areas for improvement.
“Displaying the Tourism Awards logo speaks volumes to our guests and acts as a great marketing tool in this very competitive industry.
“Entry submissions do take time, however, TiCSA provide excellent information and support services throughout the process.”
Involvement in the Australian Tourism Accreditation Program and Star Ratings Australia Program have also enabled the business to further build upon their commitment to delivering best business practice
“Travellers recognise the Star Ratings symbol worldwide to be a true reflection of quality and service. This means our guests can book knowing we have been reviewed and accepted by Australian standards.
“In summary, it builds the confidence of our guests’ in our business and ensures we continue to provide our quality product.
“Likewise, it is important to remember that each guest is possibly experiencing something for the first time.
“Always make time to spend working on your business and not just in it. Review your business plans, goals, know your demographics and make every effort to meet their needs.
“Staff is key, as is undertaking regular, transparent meetings to reinforce standards and key performance indicators in all areas of the business, ensuring everyone is on the same page,” he says.
Looking ahead for the next ten years, Dave says the industry will see a continual progression of digital compatibility requirements.
“We need to move with these changes. ‘Sustainable tourism’ are key words in most business plans and we are no exception – it is not something you ‘set and forget’ – again, it requires continual changes and improvements to keep up with industry regulations and to meet our own expectations.
“On a tangible note – who knows? We may have to come up with a few more beach names to name a few more beach huts,” Dave concludes.