PRESIDENT UPDATE
As someone proudly based on the North West Coast, I know better than most that Tasmania’s strength lies in its regions. Whether it’s the warmth of a coastal pub in Penguin, a winery in the Huon, or a boutique stay in Swansea – our state’s hospitality offering is rich, diverse and deeply local. It’s with that lens I want to talk about the proposed Macquarie Point Stadium in Hobart – a project that, while geographically centred in the south, will deliver economic, tourism and cultural benefits to every corner of Tasmania. The THA recently made a formal submission to the TasmanianPlanningCommissionbackingthisstadium. There’s a reason why we see this as a game-changer. Yes, it will be the home ground for the Tasmania Devils AFL team – and yes, that’s exciting. But the vision is much bigger. A fully roofed, multipurpose venue with integrated conference and event facilities will allow us to attract concerts, national events and business conferences year-round. Events that are currently bypassing Tasmania will finally have a place to land. And here’s the thing: when people come to Tasmania for an event, they don’t just come for the night. Data shows visitors often extend their stays and explore. That means someone attending a concert or match in Hobart is just as likely to book a weekend in Devonport, sip wine in the Tamar, or head south to Cygnet for a long lunch. And if they don’t do it on their first visit, they’ll almost certainly return. This means more flights, fuller accommodation, and more patrons in our pubs
and restaurants. Not just in Hobart, but statewide.
From a North West perspective, we’ve seen the boost four AFL games in Launceston bring – injecting around $23 million annually into the region’s economy. Now imagine doubling that impact, across more events, and sharing the benefits across the state. The stadium is more than bricks and turf. It’s a tool for hospitality growth, a magnet for new experiences, and a beacon for local business. We’ve called for strong local content requirements during construction and ongoing operations, because Tasmanian jobs and suppliers must come first. Importantly, we’ve also advocated for Launceston and the North West to retain (and even increase) their share of AFL and AFLW matches. Tasmania’s journey must be inclusive and united, not Hobart-centric. This is a chance to elevate the brand of Tasmania, to put our food, our drinks, and our warm hospitality on show to the nation and the world. We know some concerns remain – and they deserve discussion. But as an industry that employs over 25,000 Tasmanians and contributes nearly $750 million to the state economy, we believe the opportunity far outweighs the risk. The Macquarie Point Stadium is a once in a lifetime project. Let’s make sure we reap the benefits for future generations.
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Tasmanian Hospitality Review June/July Edition
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