Tourism industry launches plan for COVID rebound
The state’s tourism operators have been battered by the closure of borders, now they have a plan to rebuild. SEE THE PLANS >>
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- Tasmanian tourism industry hopeful of swift tourism rebound
- Tourism Tasmania set to launch Make Yourself at Home campaign
THERE’S never been a better time for locals to experience Tasmania, but the tourism industry is looking ahead to a time when the crowds come back from interstate and overseas.
Industry leaders gathered in Hobart yesterday to launch the T21 Visitor Economy Action Plan 2020-2022 aimed at rebuilding visitation, supporting operators, and restoring access as COVID restrictions lift.
Tourism Industry Council of Tasmania chief Luke Martin says the industry was going through tough times but was resilient — and buoyed by the number of Tasmanians venturing out to explore their state.
Having a strong plan in uncertain times was critical for rebuilding, he said.
“The medium term is about saving businesses and securing our workforce and making sure that as many of our businesses and our operators can survive the uncertainty we’re in and there’s a clear pathway for them forward so that when restrictions are eased round our borders, when we start to reintroduce our interstate visitation we’ve got the core of our industry to start building for our future.”
Among its recommendations, the plan calls for focused marketing for reopening, strategic investment in the state’s iconic natural areas and supporting the restarting of events.
Tara Howell, who runs the Blue Derby Pods Ride, said the support of locals was helping keep many operators afloat.
“We’re still seeing a lot of locals going out and explore the trails which is wonderful but as you can imagine a lot our market is obviously interstate so that has changed the dynamic in the shops in operations, but overall we’re still seeing riders which is wonderful,” she said.
“Regular Tasmanians are visiting which is wonderful and I would encourage more Tasmanians to get out and explore state because you’re the best brand advocate when you’ve been to the destination last weekend.”
Well-known operator Rob Pennicott said he was grateful for the local support as Tasmanians took the slogan “make yourself at home” to heart.
“To be able to get out there as a Tasmanian and actually holiday just with other Tasmanians is unreal,” he said.
“What a time to take a holiday and come midweek, when you probably not going to share it with anyone.
“You can on right now the Three Capes Track on probably half the days during the week you and your partner or your family will be the only ones on that whole track.
“It’s just an incredible opportunity for Tasmanians to travel with low numbers, safe and help people like me.”
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