Tasmanian Visitor Economy Strategy 2020-2022 Strategy + Six Month Action Plan

Summary of key points from presentation by Anne Greentree (Director Visitor Economy Strategy, Tourism Tasmania) and Luke Martin (Chief Executive, TICT) at Marion Storm Maritime Cafe, Devonport 13th August 2020.

T21 is a partnership between the TICT and the Tasmanian Government. This week they released a 2 year strategy boldly aiming to restore the interstate tourism market to pre-COVID levels, along with a 6-month action plan for the rest of 2020.

The report is available here: https://t21.net.au/ Further key points relevant to our region below:

Key to this strategy is the interstate self drive/touring market. A campaign will be launched to the mainland in conjunction with borders reopening. Devonport operators can really get behind this. The campaign, combined with the Spirits safely returning with passengers, is extremely positive for Devonport and the North West.

Luke Martin reports that government have been very responsive to industry needs, demands and feedback during the pandemic, with work still to be done. New grants are being worked on for further support in the next 3-6 months for operators to 'hold on'. There is a feeling amongst the industry that open domestic borders will drive strong demand for touring holidays in Tasmania.

The Cradle Mountain Cableway and new Spirits are the 2 largest pieces of tourism development/strategy anywhere in the country. The industry is lobbying for delivery of the new boats as initially planned in 2022-23, not the 2028 deadline recently floated by the state government, encouraging local operators, business communities and councils to push this message to higher levels of government wherever possible.

Local operators with concerns around grant eligibility, business advice or other concerns are encouraged to contact Tom Wootton at West by North West, with strong communication channels to Tourism Tasmania and state resources.

Cradle Mountain & proposed cable car remains key to the region's tourism strategy.

The Devonport Chamber of Commerce & Industry Executive incorporates a monthly tourism report and is working on new resources and information channels for its members, whilst working closely with Devonport Council, West by North West and other tourism stakeholders. Further membership information for interested tourism operators available here >