EDITORIAL
Premier and Minister for Tourism and Hospitality Jeremy Rockliff
It is great to see Tasmania already coming alive this summer.
attracting around 28,000 patrons in 2023.
This year we’ll also see visitors coming in for two of our newest, adrenaline-pumping, events.
Visitors and locals alike are spoilt for choice with sports matches, vibrant music and arts festivals, and premium food and beverage events. There is something on offer for everyone during the Tasmanian summer and all of it is backed by the hard work of our hospitality industry. Mona Foma will run over three weekends in Hobart at Mona and other select venues, and Launceston at the Cataract Gorge. With impressive international and local headline acts year in, year out (Queens of the Stone Age and Courtney Barnett), and an ever- intriguing arts program, it has a strong following and last year attracted almost 15,300 people. One of the state’s most thrilling and iconic sports events is the Rolex Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race which has been running annually since 1945. Throngs of locals and visitors congregate on Hobart’s waterfront at the Race Village to see the competitors sail to the finish line. It’s an incredible race and a huge annual attraction that brings people together and into our many high-quality venues. Tasmania is renowned for its high-quality produce and beverage offering, and this is reflected in two big summer events: Taste of Summer (27 December 2023 – 1 January 2024 & 4–6 January 2024, south) and Festivale (3–4 February, north). Taste of Summer takes up residence at Princes Wharf No. 1 and is set to be bigger than ever in 2024. The festival has been extended into the new year and a huge program of music acts will complement the usual outstanding culinary display. Festivale’s annual three-day showcase of all things food, beverages, and arts and entertainment is held in Launceston’s picturesque City Park and proves popular every year,
In early-February, sporting events fans will be cheering on athletes in the Ironman 70.3 Tasmania challenge around the Greater Hobart region. It is an event which brings in more than 72 per cent of its spectators from interstate who will stay in our hotel rooms and visit our venues while they’re here. Later in the month, eyes will turn to Maydena with the ‘world’s toughest mountain bike race’, The Red Bull Hardline. This is the first time it will be held outside of Wales and is expected to draw a huge crowd as competitors battle it out on Tassie’s tough terrain. These events and festivals bring so many additional visitors to our state, providing another opportunity to showcase the excellent hospitality experiences that Tasmania has to offer. Our hospitality sector plays a major role in welcoming visitors around the state, providing them with fantastic experiences and memories to take home. There is no denying that Tasmania’s tourism and hospitality industry is world class – a reputation that has been built over time that would not be possible without the commitment our operators have to their craft, their customers and their staff. As we come into this important time of year, I extend my heartfelt thanks to all the dedicated people working in the hospitality, tourism and events sectors. You offer exceptional experiences to our local, interstate and international visitors. Your hard work is extremely valued by both tourists and Tasmanians as they connect with friends and family over the festive and summer period.
15 Tasmanian Hospitality Review December/January Edition
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