Tourism Businesses Plan for the Future

14 Otcober 2009

The Minister for Tourism and the Arts, Michelle O’Byrne, today reinforced the Government’s commitment to growing the tourism sector by offering holiday makers unique and world-class Tasmanian experiences. 

“We will continue working hard to promote Tasmania and its diverse offerings to people when they are thinking about where to go for a holiday,” Ms O’Byrne.

Ms O’Byrne told tourism industry delegates at the Totally South Tourism Forum in Hobart that the State was well placed to ride out future challenges.

“We are creating and delivering the kind of products and experiences that visitors want and which keep them coming back for more.”

“We are working on making sure potential visitors can find and buy our world-class offerings whenever and wherever they want.”

“And we’ve been working smarter to ensure greater access to help our visitors get here easily and cost effectively.

“While we cannot predict what lies around the corner, we are in a relatively strong position.

Ms O’Byrne said the forum’s theme of ‘Future Proofing – Essential Business Planning’ was very appropriate in these times of constant and fast-paced change.

“Much of our industry’s prosperity and long-term sustainability will depend on our ability to prepare and plan for the future while having the flexibility to respond to the unforeseen changes that can impact on a sector like tourism.

“It is extremely pleasing to see all levels of the industry, government and local operators coming together to learn, share and participate in discussions on what it means to build a strong tourism business and, in turn, a stronger Tasmanian tourism industry.

Today’s forum program featured presentations from leading industry representatives including Australian Tourism Export Council Managing Director, Matthew Hingerty, and Tourism Tasmania CEO, Felicia Mariani, as well as experts in business intelligence, brand development and online consumer trends.

A panel of industry experts also led a discussion to help operators identify opportunities for working cooperatively with people and businesses in their region.

Ms O’Byrne said Tasmania’s continued tourism success could not have been achieved without the strong and effective linkages that have been forged between tourism businesses, industry groups, the private sector and all levels of government.

Further information: Matthew Sullivan 0407 816 462