Have your say on Tasmania’s tourism future

31 May 2023

** PUBLIC CONSULTATION CLOSED ON WEDNESDAY 21 JUNE 2023**

Tasmanians are invited to have their say on the key directions for tourism in the state and to inform the finalisation of the 2030 Tasmanian Visitor Economy Strategy.

Over many decades, the visitor economy has created substantial value for Tasmania. In 2022, visitors spent $3.4 billion in the Tasmanian economy in towns and regions across the state.

Tourism supports 33,600 Tasmanian jobs or 13 per cent of total Tasmanian employment, more than agriculture, fishing, forestry and paper production sectors combined.

A strong visitor economy means improved amenities and infrastructure; and supports more affordable access and travel options for Tasmanians on and off the island.

“The things that make Tasmania a special place to live are the very same things that make the state a great place to visit” said, Sarah Clark, CEO, Tourism Tasmania.

“Visitation and population forecasts are indicating continued growth which is why careful management and investment is required to guide growth, protect our assets and leverage this important economic contributor for the benefit of Tasmanians” she said.

A Key Directions Paper has been developed with input from across government and with industry through the T21 partnership. It was informed through extensive consultation with industry and broader stakeholders undertaken across Tasmania in 2019 and again in 2022.

TICT Chair, Daniel Leesong said, “T21 is about providing clear direction to industry, government and the broader community, on the priorities for growing tourism to Tasmania and the types of investments we need to make to grow tourism sustainably and responsibly.”

"Past T21 agreements have been the catalyst for dramatically improving air and sea access to Tasmania, growing the State's reputation as an ecotourism destination, and managing our way through the challenges of COVID-19.”

“The 2030 Visitor Economy will look to the future and how we want Tasmania to evolve as a visitor destination through the 2020s and beyond. How tourism grows and what shape it takes is something every Tasmanian has an interest in, and we encourage the community to consider the key directions paper and have their say” he said.

The key directions are underpinned by visitor economy foundations that are essential for future growth and management.

The vision for these directions is for tourism to continue to provide a positive impact for the community, industry, economy, visitor, environment and destination.

Community views on the directions are sought to inform the 2030 Tasmanian Visitor Economy Strategy, which will be released later this year.

Public consultation closed on Wednesday 21 June 2023. To view the Key Directions for Tasmania’s future visitor economy visit www.tourismtasmania.com.au/industry/2030-visitor-economy-strategy/