Category: Home Based & Micro Business
Winner: Great Ocean Stays
Great Ocean Stays was established in 2007 as a holiday booking, property management and accommodation business on the Bellarine Peninsula.
The business is distinguished by its industry-leading accommodation, Accessible Stays, which owner Christine Smith says provides “exceptional facilities and service” for clients at all levels of mobility and ability.
“The business is not disability-specific but operates as mainstream tourism service that’s fully inclusive,” she explains.
Christine says the initial impetus for the business was her experience of living with permanent hearing loss and facial paralysis, an acquired disability.
Christine launched her business in a market of increasing competition among emerging booking services.
She noted a deficiency in disability services, turning it into a market opportunity through the creation of “innovative, well-designed, purpose-built, accessible accommodation and a booking service linking accessible tourism products”.
Christine has a vision to “create a region inclusive of all people” while inspiring accessibility among tourism businesses and raising awareness of the “social and economic benefits of increasing access”.
Her success has earned praise from prominent Geelong businessman and holiday home-owner Keith Fagg.
“Chris approaches her business in very creative and strategic way,” he says.
“She is the epitome of an astute and caring business person and is developing a particular niche in the market, which will only grow. This has significant social and business benefits.”
