Policy Watch: 2030 Visitor Economy Strategy

POLICY WATCH: ANNE GREENTREE FROM TOURISM TASMANIA PROVIDES AN UPDATE ON THE 2030 VISITOR ECONOMY STRATEGY

T21 is a unique and enduring partnership between the Tasmanian Government and industry, represented by the TICT. This partnership has set the direction and priorities for the development of tourism and the broader visitor economy since 1997. The current 2015-2020 Visitor Economy Strategy is coming to an end in December 2020 and work started earlier this year to develop a new 2030 outlook for our visitor economy supported by a four-year strategic plan. This work is being completed through a partnership between Tourism Tasmania, as the lead government agency for T21, and the TICT. For more information on T21, visit www.t21.net.au

Consultation on the priorities for the 2030 visitor economy strategy commenced in August this year with a workshop involving the Premier’s Visitor Economy Advisory Council, the T21 Steering Committee and the Boards of Tourism Tasmania and TICT, as the T21 Agreement Sponsors. Since then, Tourism Tasmania and TICT have been on the road listening to what regional industry leaders have to say about the future of tourism and the visitor economy in our state. We will have

Image credit: Flow Mountain Bike

visited 14 regional locations by the time consultation is completed, involving over 350 industry leaders including representatives from Destination Action Plan groups, local government including Mayors and General Managers, the Parks and Wildlife Service, Visitor Information Centres and other key stakeholders. Such extensive consultation has not been undertaken in Tasmania previously for a tourism strategy. The breadth of our discussions recognise the evolution of the importance of the visitor economy in our state and in particular the vital role regional tourism plays in the future of tourism in Tasmania. There have been consistent themes which have emerged across all the workshops. A priority on ensuring the visitor experience and industry are sustainable into the future has been a strong theme – ensuring Tasmania is positioned as a leading destination in the era of climate change and with travellers making choices according to conscience. Tourism has a strong track record in creating jobs for Tasmanians right across our state and attracting, retaining and skilling Tasmanians to meet the projected demand across a range of skill areas is fundamental to our growth. Discussions indicate this is a key focus for industry right now. Positioning our regional towns and communities as the epicentre of the Tasmanian visitor experience has featured prominently in conversations right across the state, along with growing year-round visitation through a range of events and experiences. Local government participation in the workshops has been important and has emphasised the increasing role that our regional councils play in the visitor experience in region through quality visitor infrastructure and services that benefit both residents and visitors. Consultation on the 2030 strategy will continue throughout December with Visitor Economy Forums, attended by the Premier as Minister for Tourism, that engage broader industry and stakeholders. Recognising the importance of wider Tasmanian community in the future of the visitor economy, a draft 2030 Visitor Economy Strategy will be released for public consultation in early to mid-2020, with a final strategy due for release later that year. Information on public consultation will be distributed through industry channels – so please keep your eye out and make sure you have your say! Timing of the Tourism 2030 consultation has coincided with the newly launched tourism brand for Tasmania through Tourism Tasmania which has received widespread acclaim, repositioning Tasmania as a must-do destination. You can find out more here https:// www.tourismtasmania.com.au/ marketing/brand-launch The breadth of our discussions recognise the evolution of the importance of the visitor economy in our state and in particular the vital role regional tourism plays in the future of tourism in Tasmania.