EDITORIAL
Minister for Hospitality and Small Business Jane Howlett
Consistent investment and support is reaping rewards It would be easy to fall into hibernation habits at this time of year, with the sun now setting so early in the evening and the cool chill having arrived. Traditionally, that’s what we did in Tasmania. This time of year was the off-season, the quiet time of year, no one going out and visitors giving us a wide berth. And while it’s fair to say that summer is the peak time of year for getting out and about to our hospitality ven- ues, Tasmania’s reputation for fun in the cooler months is growing. There is plenty of reason to be optimistic about mov- ing forward and an enormous amount of work has gone into promoting the State as a unique destination from June through to August. While occupancy num- bers have dropped off from the record highs experi- enced during the summer and into autumn, they have remained better than they were for this time last year. Dark Mofo returned in all its glory this month, with ho- tels booked out and events sold out, as the program attracted plenty of attention. Speaking of highs, I was ecstatic to hear about the re- cord-breaking occupancy figures from February and March this year. We’ve worked hard through strong and consistent support of our visitor economy to en- courage people to come and see what we have to offer and to support programs like the Business Events At- traction Fund. The Tasmanian Government has continually engaged with the hospitality and small business sector to help these businesses to grow, invest and create jobs be- cause we know that it is important. Recently we launched our Eat Local, Stay Local vouch- ers, encouraging Tasmanians to back in business during the quieter months. We want them to come and spend money in your venues, where you buy from local suppliers and employ local people who in turn spend their hard-earned money in the local area. This initia- tive will give local businesses a confidence boost over
the coming months and I am looking forward to seeing people out and about, enjoying a meal at their local pub or restaurant, having an adventure or discovering something new. The Eat Local, Stay Local initiative is part of our Tour- ism and Hospitality Support package, which supports industry and boosts visitation around the State. We are also working to attract new domestic flights to and from Tasmania, through the Aviation Attrac- tion Fund. As well as helping to secure new domestic flights, the $5 million fund will enhance the potential for new international routes or extend existing season- al services. Most importantly, the fund will support the business cases to increase overall air capacity to Tasmania, which means more opportunities for Tasmanian busi- nesses and a boost to our local economy. Our Tasmanian airports are working closely with the airlines, and the Government to ensure we can make the biggest gains from this investment. I recently un- dertook a trade mission to Malaysia on behalf of the Premier to promote Tasmania’s capabilities and our brand. I was pleased to strengthen Tasmania’s rela- tionship with officials from Selangor, the single largest economic centre in Malaysia. Tasmania’s brand is attractive to travellers from the re- gion and I am sure that we will continue to see the ben- efits of missions such as these which stimulate much interest in our beautiful State. An average of 14,000 people fly into Hobart and Launceston airports daily, and even though there are cost-of-living pressures the State is seen as an ideal destination. In the 2024 financial year, Tasmania welcomed around 256,000 international visitors, who each make a sig- nificant contribution to our economy. For every dollar a visitor spends when they are here, another 83 cents is generated in our economy, stimulating jobs and fur- ther investment. Our Government is a keen supporter of our tourism and hospitality sector and is building a better Tasma- nia: now, and for the future, by investing in the industry.
17 Tasmanian Hospitality Review June/July Edition
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