Talking Point: Standing side by side for Tasmanian tourism

When it’s safe to travel again, visitors will be influenced by their need to feel safe and secure, writes JOHN FITZGERALD

BUILDING UP: Hansons Peak, Cradle Mountain. Picture: Tourism australia

WE are all drawn to things that are certain and consistent. We tend to plan around what we know or understand. If there is anything we have learned from 2020 so far it is that uncertainty may be our only constant.

Our community leaders are dealing with circumstances that are constantly evolving. Our health workers and frontline staff have worked tirelessly to protect the health, safety and wellbeing of the community, while many businesses have shut their doors to help stop the spread of COVID-19.

The tourism and hospitality industry has been one of the hardest hit by the necessary restrictions imposed to protect the community and it will continue to be impacted by the circumstances in mainland states as long as border restrictions remain in place.

Our tourism and hospitality businesses and their staff are an important part of communities large and small. They are critical to our economy and regional jobs and create meeting places and experiences that keep us connected together.

SPECIAL: Bay of Fires. Picture: TOURISM AUSTRALIA

The sector is full of proud Tasmanians who welcome visitors to our islands with a deep sense of responsibility to honour and maintain what is special about this place. It is an industry full of passionate and hardworking people who have invested a lot of energy, time and capital into building an industry that has been the envy of the nation for many years. They have faced unprecedented challenges, but have responded with incredible professionalism with steps to protect the health of Tasmanians, moving quickly to implement COVID-Safe plans to protect patrons and staff and allow a more normal way of life to restart.

Many have used their creativity and passion to move to new business models or just to take steps to survive as best as they can.

Our responsiveness to this crisis will be one of our greatest strengths as we move towards an understanding of a new normal in the short, medium and long term.

That is why the T21 Visitor Economy Action Plan 2020-2022, launched by Premier Peter Gutwein this week, is even more important and is testament to the way industry and government can work together to build agility in the way we adapt our response.

The plan has been developed in a very fluid environment and we will need to make adjustments as circumstances change.

Tasmania is the first state to release a significant plan of this kind in the midst of COVID-19. It will provide a set of immediate six-month priorities — commitments from government and our industry that back our tourism operators and their workforce to ensure we re-emerge from our challenges into a brighter and even stronger future.

Tasmania’s rare and beautiful natural environment is recognised globally and is why many visitors come here. In developing a two-year Action Plan, we haven’t shied away from our long-term vision to be a leader in responsible and sustainable tourism and to support a diverse visitor economy that plays to Tasmania’s strengths.

EXPLORE: Premier Peter Gutwein launches the Make Yourself at Home campaign alongside Tourism Tasmania chief executive John Fitzgerald. Picture: Zak Simmonds

Our national parks and reserves, walking tracks, mountain biking and nature-based experiences are major visitor attractions in regional Tasmania and underpin local communities. A key component of the plan is to continue investment in high-quality infrastructure that enables Tasmanians and our visitors to experience our natural environment safely and responsibly.

Tasmania’s brand is strong. There is a down-to-earth version of luxury in Tasmania, where people come to reconnect with themselves and their loved ones, to experience quality food and beverages and enjoy a thriving community and friendly people.

Our wide open skies remind you of your place in the world and you experience some of the cleanest air the moment you step off the plane or boat. It is a place where you can feel a little more human.

We know that when it’s safe to travel again, travellers will be influenced by their need to feel safe and secure. Tasmania’s reputation as a safe destination is critical to our future ability to attract visitors that support our brand, when the time is right.

Until that time, Tourism Tasmania is encouraging Tasmanians to get out and about and explore our own backyard.

We want Tasmanians to take off on an adventure in their own home state – head out every chance you can get for Sunday drives, weekend getaways, your annual holidays or the ultimate Tassie road trip. Now is the time to write that bucket list, start ticking them off and support tourism and hospitality businesses across the state.

The tough times that confront us will not last forever, that’s why we have a plan. A plan that has focus for the immediate future, but doesn’t forgo aspirational goals.

Right now, if we work together we can help each other and stand side by side to create a strong future for Tasmania.

John Fitzgerald is chief executive of Tourism Tasmania.