Tasmania set for new tourism era
Tasmania’s new government has set its sights on big growth for tourism with the aim of increasing visitor arrivals from 1 million to 1.5 million by 2020. Premier Will Hodgman is to take on the tourism portfolio himself.
Tourism Industry Council Tasmania chief executive Luke Martin said tourism operators are expecting the Hodgman government to deliver on its election promise on its comprehensive tourism agenda. Mr Martin said there were already people with ideas and concepts under way for developments in Tasmania’s national parks. “We’re not talking scary Club Med-style development – things like low-impact walks, standing permanent] camps and low-impact accommodation.” He also expected the new government to tackle the issue of replacement ships for the Spirit of Tasmania and deliver on its promise to cut fares – tipped to drop by 20 per cent – in line with its focus on growing passenger numbers instead of profit.
The accommodation industry has welcomed the election of Will Hodgman as Tasmania’s new Premier. Speaking on behalf of the industry, the chief executive officer of the Accommodation Association of Australia, Richard Munro, said that Mr Hodgman will bring a new enthusiasm to the Tasmanian Government’s approach to tourism. “The accommodation industry is pleased that premier-elect Hodgman has a strong understanding of tourism, having held the portfolio in Opposition, and elevating it to one of the five pillars of Tasmania’s future economy,” Mr Munro said. “Couple this with the strong mandate for reform that Mr Hodgman has received and there’s every chance that the broader business environment in Tasmania will improve, bringing higher returns for accommodation businesses. “Once Tasmania’s fiscal challenges are overcome, there may also be an opportunity for the Hodgman government to invest in major tourism infrastructure, such as a new convention centre in Hobart.”
AAA looks forward to the implementation of the Liberals’ tourism policies, including the establishment of an Events and Regional Economic Stimulus Program and removing red tape for Tourism Tasmania.
