Tourism Talk – Industry Newsletter

25 August 2009

New Tasmania Brand

Tourism Tasmania is taking an exciting new brand position for the State to consumers across Australia.

Operators are invited to attend a special event to mark the launch of the new brand by the Minister for Tourism, Michelle O’Byrne MP.

The event provides an opportunity to hear about the strategy behind the new brand positioning and to meet Tourism Tasmania's new advertising agency Whybin\TBWA.

The launch will be held on Wednesday 2 September from 10.00am – 11.00am at Tailrace Centre, 1 Waterfront Drive, Riverside, Launceston.

If you wish to attend please RSVP to reception@tourism.tas.gov.au

Information on the new brand will be available after the launch date on Tourism Tasmania's corporate website at www.tourismtasmania.com.au .

Tassie Operators Reap The Rewards Of Tas E-Connect

Tasmanian Tourism operators are reaping the rewards of Tourism Tasmania’s Tas e-Connect online booking exchange, turning over $133,000 worth of business during the month of July.

The latest business results show that the value of bookings made through Tas e-Connect’s Open Booking Exchange, has grown each month since it went live for the Tasmanian tourism industry in March this year.

At 31 July 2009 there were 252 Tasmanian tourism operators connected to the Open Booking Exchange with a further 30 nearing completion of the integration of their own booking systems with the exchange.

Tasmanian accommodation group Innkeepers recently completed its connection as a distributor into the OBX. Visitors to www.innkeeper.com.au can now search for online bookable properties and experiences and make a real time booking. As more Tasmanian suppliers opt-in to the Innkeepers Tasmania distribution channel, consumers will be able to see and book more Tasmanian accommodation and experiences.

Tas e-Connect is a long-term initiative that connects tourism operators, via their own booking systems, with travel distributors through a booking exchange called the Open Booking Exchange (OBX).

The OBX gives Tasmanian tourism operators the ability to have their rooms, activities, tours and events seen and bought online through many distribution points.

The OBX also makes it easier for consumers to plan and book their Tasmanian holidays, letting them see live availability and make real time bookings of Tasmanian tourism products and services across a range of different travel websites.

Tourism Tasmania is providing extensive support and development opportunities to tourism businesses and organisations around the State as part of the Tas e-Connect Learning and Development Program. For more information on Tas e-Connect visit www.tourismtasmania.com.au/taseconnect or contact the Tas e-Connect Help Desk on 1300 303 259 and email taseconnect@tourismtasmania.com.au

New Board Member for Tourism Tasmania

Tourism Tasmania has announced that Mark Kelleher, Secretary of the Department of Economic Development Tourism and the Arts, and Chief Executive of the Tasmanian Development Board has joined the Board of Tourism Tasmania.

Mark's previous position was Managing Director of Roaring 40s, a leading Australian-based renewable energy company developing and operating wind farms in Australia, China and India.

Mark has also held the position of General Manager Business Development with Hydro Tasmania and before that, Tasmanian Financial Controller with Telstra.

While with Hydro Tasmania he took lead roles in major projects including industry restructure, Basslink and entry into the National Electricity Market.

Mark has a Bachelor of Commerce (University of Tasmania), and is a Certified Practising Accountant, and a Fellow of the Institute of Company Directors. He is also a graduate of the senior executive program at London Business School.

Investing for the Long Haul 2009 - Qantas Sustainable Tourism Seminars

Qantas Airlines invites operators to a free half day training seminar featuring internationally renowned environmental and travel industry leaders.

Building on the highly successful 2008 seminar series, the seminar will provide an insight into global and Australian sustainable tourism trends.

Operators will also learn about the economic benefits of sustainable tourism and how sustainable practices can increase the value of their business.

The seminar will include:

  • The global and Australian perspective on sustainable tourism trends - how they will impact on your business
  • Case studies - learn from experienced operators including the inaugural winners of the Qantas Award for Excellence in Sustainable Tourism
  • Financial modelling - how sustainability and the Australian Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme may affect your business
  • The State view - what your state is doing about sustainability, including funding programs for operators
  • Hands on practical tools and tips to make your business more sustainable.

The seminar will be held from 9.30 am - 2.30 pm, Tuesday, 22 September 2009 at The Henry Jones Art Hotel, 25 Hunter Street, Hobart.

The number of places is limited so early registration is recommended.

RSVP: Register online before 15 September 2009.

Cruise Industry Information Workshops

Tourism Tasmania is conducting workshops in Hobart and Burnie to update industry operators on the cruise ship industry. 

The three-hour workshops include an overview of the market; who does what – the different stakeholder roles in the cruise industry; emerging trends; what experiences cruise ship visitors seek in Tasmania and how you can get involved.

Interstate guest speakers include shore excursion specialists Tyler Wood of the Bob Wood Travel Group and Melissa Reid of the AOT Group.

The workshop will be held in Hobart on Monday, 7 September from 10.00am – 1.00pm in the Bowen Room, Hadleys Hotel, 34 Murray Street, Hobart and in Burnie on Tuesday, 8 September from 2.00pm – 5.00pm at Weller’s Inn, 36 Queen Street, Burnie.

Places are limited so if you would like to attend please reply by Friday, 4 September – phone 6230 8136 or email Rita.Warrener@tourism.tas.gov.au

See the latest Tasmanian Cruise Ships Results 2008-09

The Grape A Fare

An evening of Tasmanian boutique wine and artisan cheeses presented by students of Drysdale College.

Come and enjoy selected cheeses and canapés prepared by Drysdale's ‘up and coming’ chefs while tasting wines from 13 wineries.

The Grape A Fare aims to provide a premium industry networking experience through an evening of fine food, wine and entertainment. Profits from the evening will be donated to Cerebral Palsy Tasmania.

A Grape A Fare gives some of Tasmania’s lesser known wineries and cheese makers the opportunity to showcase their products. ABC radio personality, Tim Cox, will host the evening and provide entertaining interviews and commentary, as well as conduct charity auctions.

The Grape A Fare will be held on Tuesday 29 September, 6pm to 9pm at Drysdale House, 59 Collins St, Hobart. Tickets are $35.

Tickets sold out fast last year so don't miss out. For tickets contact Cerebral Palsy on 03 6228 4488 or info@cptas.org.au

For more information visit www.drysdalelink.com.au or email elizabeth.williams02@students.polytechnic.tas.edu.au

TigerTOUR Update

Recent additions to TigerTOUR, our product database.

Accommodation

  • The Priory Country Lodge, Bothwell

Tourism Tasmania’s Product Consultants can help you update your business details. For more information email TigerTOUR@tourism.tas.gov.au or phone: (03) 6230 8229.

Coming Events

Taste of the Tamar

A celebration of wine and food from the Tamar Valley

Saturday, 12 September 2009

See all events

 

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