Hot Ideas at State Tourism Conference

7 July 2009

The collective ideas driving Tasmania’s defiance of a weakening global travel environment will be further boosted today at a gathering of the tourism industry and tourism leaders at Launceston’s Country Club Tasmania.

Officially launching the 2009 Tasmanian Tourism Conference, the Minister for Tourism, Michelle O’Byrne, reinforced the State Government’s commitment to the tourism industry.

“The theme of this year’s conference – Cool Climate, Hot Ideas – says a lot about our island’s unique location and climate, but it also encourages us to reflect on the global economic climate currently impacting on governments and industries throughout the country,” said Ms O’Byrne.

“Today’s conference is about exploring ideas to mitigate its impact on Tasmania’s tourism sector”.

“To date our combined efforts have been reaping results, with the latest Tasmanian Visitor Survey figures for the year ending March 2009 confirming that Tasmania welcomed over one million visitors on scheduled air and sea services, and on navy and cruise ships”, said Ms O’Byrne.

“This is a truly historic milestone for tourism in Tasmania, and what makes it even more impressive is that it was achieved while domestic interstate travel had declined.”

“However, as an industry there is still much work to be done.”

More than three hundred Tasmanian tourism operators and managers are attending the 2009 Conference, which features an extensive trade exhibition showcasing the latest products and services available to the tourism industry.

Guest speakers include John Anderson, founder of Contiki Holidays, and Chris Woodruff, Managing Director and CEO of the Asia Pacific Airports Corporation – operators of the Melbourne and Launceston airports.

In opening the conference, Ms O’Byrne acknowledged the value of Tourism Tasmania’s marketing partnerships with the State’s five new marketing zones and its key air and sea carriers – Jetstar, Qantas, Tiger Airways, Virgin Blue and Spirit of Tasmania.

“Marketing partnerships are a very important part of Tourism Tasmania’s strategies to promote the special and unique characteristics of our different regions, as well as the range of options available for people to get to and from the State.”

Ms O’Byrne also highlighted Tourism Tasmania’s online distribution initiative Tas e-Connect, and their Digital Marketing Strategy as two new ideas that are driving the future of Tasmania’s travel and tourism industry,” said Ms O’Byrne.

“The State Government is committed to preserving its investment in tourism and ensuring our tourism industry remains strong and prosperous, underpinning jobs.

“Initiatives like these will help to put us in the best possible position to continue our State’s strong tourism growth,” she said.

Further information: Rohan Wade (03) 6336 2443 or 0417 051 255