HOT TOPIC: BECOME A TASSIE TOURISM AMBASSADOR

HOT TOPIC:

BECOME A TASSIE TOURISM AMBASSADOR

Cataract Gorge, Launceston.

Launched in 2021, the Tassie Tourism Ambassador program is recognition for the great job our tourism business owners, operators and teams are already doing by offering visitors a warm Tassie welcome.

It has been created specifically for the Tasmanian tourism industry as a way to equip tourism and hospitality staff, as well as interested locals, with the skills to offer a great visitor experience and local knowledge to tell the story of the region in which they live and work. The Tassie Tourism Ambassador program also aims to increase regional dispersal by inspiring and empowering staff working in customer-facing roles to create truly memorable moments for visitors at every touchpoint. We know that these positive experiences create loyal advocates, rave reviews, and increased destination awareness, leading to increased visitor numbers, a solid visitor economy, and more sustainable businesses and employment.

The program has been designed to align with the T21 tourism strategy in building capability, capacity and community, and also aligns to our regional tourism organisations’ visions of their regions through their Destination Management Plans. The course is free to access and complete, and available to everyone. It includes four distinct modules: • Understanding the tourism industry • Knowing and showcasing your destination • Storytelling • Exceeding customer expectations On completion, participants become official Tassie Tourism Ambassadors, and are recognised with a certificate and lapel badge. A monthly e-newsletter especially for our Ambassadors keeps the community up-to-date with new destination modules and in the loop with what’s happening in tourism around the state. Tassie’s West Coast and southern East Coast destinations launched last year, and Launceston and the Tamar Valley recently joined the line-up as the program’s third destination module. This latest module celebrates the high-quality produce, creative spirit and natural beauty that

Launceston’s Iconic Architecture.

Launceston and the Tamar Valley offers to visitors and locals alike, and has pushed the total number of Tassie Tourism Ambassadors over 400. The next module will focus on the North-West region, and is due to launch before the end of the year. We sat down with Jess Robinson, a recent addition to the Tassie Tourism Ambassador community, to get her take on the program and its value to the industry and visitors alike.

Jess Robinson - Photo Credit: Nick Hanson.

WHAT IS YOUR CURRENT ROLE AND HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN IN IT?

I’ve very recently started as Marketing and Partnerships Officer at The Unconformity. Prior to this, I was in the same role at Junction Arts Festival for three years.

WHY DO YOU LOVE THE SECTOR YOU WORK IN?

The people I get to meet and work with, and the experiences of festivals and events is like nothing else. I’m very lucky to do what I do.

WHAT MOST INSPIRES OR ENCOURAGES YOU?

I think seeing resilience around me is so inspiring – there are so many examples of resilience and innovation in arts and tourism over the past few years. It’s always really encouraging to hear from audiences about how meaningful their experience at an event or performance was, and how valuable moments of connection and gathering are for the community.

WHAT WAS YOUR KEY TAKE-AWAY FROM COMPLETING THE TASSIE TOURISM AMBASSADOR PROGRAM?

I learnt so much from the Launceston and Tamar Valley and West Coast destination modules of the Ambassador program. I think the diversity of Launceston’s tourism offering is something very special, and understanding the significance of the river to our story and key industries was really interesting, too.

WHY DO YOU THINK IT’S IMPORTANT TO BE A TASSIE TOURISM AMBASSADOR?

As a Launceston local, I learned new things doing the course – and as a newbie to the West, it was a great introduction to the region. As well as the knowledge gained, the course filled me with a huge sense of pride for these places, and inspired me to explore the parts of Tassie I haven’t yet seen!

WOULD YOU ENCOURAGE OTHER PEOPLE ACROSS THE INDUSTRY TO COMPLETE THE SESSION?

Absolutely - the courses are such an asset to our industry, for people in all roles in tourism.

Becoming a Tassie Tourism Ambassador builds value and transferrable skills, provides networking opportunities, and gives you a meaningful and respected credential for your CV. Interested in becoming an Ambassador? It’s easy! Head to www. tassietourismambassador. com.au and get started today!

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