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Press Release
Visit to Boost Tassie's International Sales Potential
3 April 2008
Twenty-three Inbound Tour Operators have arrived in Tasmania for a workshop and tour aimed at expanding their knowledge of Tasmania’s tourism experiences and boosting Tasmania’s international sales potential.
The Minister for Economic Development and Tourism, Paula Wriedt, today welcomed the mainland-based Inbound Tour Operators (ITOs) to the State for the three-day tour sponsored by the Australian Tourism Export Council (ATEC), Qantas and Tourism Tasmania.
“ITOs play a very important role in the marketing of Tasmania overseas.
"They are our primary link between Tasmanian tourism operators and key international travel wholesalers like Goway and ATS Tours in North America and JTB in Japan.
“In today’s highly competitive global tourism market it is vital that our tourism industry has the opportunity to familiarise these ITOs with their products,” Ms Wriedt said.
The visiting ITOs work directly with international buyers and were selected on the basis of their potential to increase the number of overseas visitors to the State.
“The familiarisation tour and workshop is part of Tourism Tasmania’s International Marketing Plan and aims to educate agents on the major selling points of Tasmania.
“It is also designed to assist them with itinerary planning and increase their awareness of the types of experiences available for international visitors,” Ms Wriedt said.
As part of their visit, local tourism operators have been invited to attend a half-day industry workshop in Hobart for individual appointments with each of the ITOs.
“During this visit, the ITOs will also be experiencing our accommodation, transport and activities in south-eastern Tasmania,” Ms Wriedt said.
Tourism Tasmania conducts three ITO familiarisation tours each year, with a different regional focus for each visit.