Industry Engagement Update
Hobart accommodation general managers industry leadership roundtable In March we invited all the general managers of Hobart’s accommodation sector to sit down with key decision-makers to do something the industry has been calling for, open conversations directly with Local Government. Facilitated by Hospitality Tasmania, the Hobart accommodation general managers industry leadership roundtable brought together senior accommodation leaders, Business Events Tasmania and Hobart City Council CEO Michael Stretton for a focused discussion on the future of the city and its visitor economy. Hobart’s visitor economy continues to rebuild momentum, with strong foundations but clear pressure points emerging across the system. Insights shared at the roundtable reinforced that while demand is returning, the experience of the city itself is now one of the most critical factors influencing visitor satisfaction - and ultimately, repeat visitation. From infrastructure to accessibility, hospitality is increasingly shaped by what happens outside the front door.
What Industry Told Us
From the general managers in the room, the feedback was direct, consistent and grounded in day-to-day operational reality. A major concern raised was the impact of roadworks and traffic changes on hotel operations: • Limited communication around works affecting guest access • Disruptions to coach and valet drop-off zones • Increased staffing costs to manage changing traffic conditions Too often, businesses are left to react, rather than being part of the planning process. Parking continues to also be a friction point: • Strict enforcement in short-term zones impacting guest arrival • Lack of flexibility for check-in and luggage drop • Limited availability of 24/7 parking options These issues directly affect first impressions — a critical moment in the guest journey. Broader concerns were also raised around: • Anti-social behaviour and perceptions of safety • E-scooter and bike usage in pedestrian areas • Lack of designated parking and regulation • Visible impacts of homelessness within the city These are complex, whole-of-city challenges — but ones that significantly influence how visitors experience Hobart.
Council Vision and Forward Planning
Through the session, Hobart City Council outlined a number of forward-focused initiatives that will shape how visitors move through and experience the city. Key areas of planning and investigation include: • Introduction of number plate recognition to improve parking access • Review of visitor information services • Exploration of a transport hub at Halls Saddle • Potential expansion of Derwent Ferry terminals • Midtown redevelopment, including pedestrian-first infrastructure and scramble crossings • Review of key car park assets and future use • Major TasWater infrastructure upgrades These projects signal a clear intention to improve movement, accessibility and the overall visitor journey — but also highlight the importance of aligning planning with real-time operational needs of the industry.
Council Response: A Shift Toward Collaboration
In response, Michael Stretton acknowledged the importance of stronger engagement and committed to a more collaborative approach moving forward. Key responses included: • Improved direct communication channels between council and industry • Willingness to review parking enforcement practices in key zones • Ongoing work to implement number plate recognition systems • A formal review of e-scooter usage
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Tasmanian Hospitality Review April/May Edition
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