TASMANIA’S 2030 Visitor Economic Strategy has been launched today, by the state’s government and tourism industry.
The “bold, ambitious plan” strives to increase the contribution of Tasmania’s tourism sector to the state’s community, economy, and environment.
The Tasmanian Government also announced an additional funding commitment of $12 million over three years to ensure the Strategy builds on the state’s strong foundations, and contributes to addressing its challenges.
The funding, a recognition of the tourism industry’s contribution to the economy, will support key projects aligned to the Strategy, including workforce investment, attracting business events to Tasmania, a 10-year infrastructure plan, and stimulating more private investment.
The Strategy will be implemented through three year action plans which allow for a responsive approach to changing industry needs, the market environment, and the broader economic and community context.
Premier Jeremy Rockliff said the tourism industry’s future prosperity is critical to the state.
“Our tourism industry supports over 37,000 jobs while adding billions to our economy, and with the industry once again thriving, this Strategy will lock in its future for the long term,” he said.
“We know that our visitor economy will continue to grow, and that’s why the 2030 Visitor Economy Strategy is both a plan for growth, and a plan to manage growth sustainably.”
Tourism Industry Council Tasmania (TICT) Chair Daniel Leesong said thanks to the strategy, Tasmania will be leading the way nationally in a number of areas.
“One of these will be in the emissions reduction program that the TICT will be leading, supported by the Tasmanian Government, to help operators understand their emissions profile and then reduce their footprint,” he said.
“Our workforce is our single most important asset, and as an industry we’ll be ramping up efforts to invest in fit for purpose training, strengthen our ties with the tertiary education sector and try different ideas to tackle the lack of worker accommodation in regional areas.
“We want our industry to be seen as a valuable career choice for future generations of young Tasmanians and we need to do better.”
