Anthony O'Hern (Cradle Mountain Canyons) & Gabriella Conti (WxNW)
During July, we've spent time out in the region along with our friends from Digital Ready and Business Tasmania hosting workshops on the importance of social media. To have your say on what workshops you would be interested in, click HERE.
We have been on the West Coast catching up with the industry, hosted an industry event with the Minister of Parks at Cradle Mountain, and held a strategy session with the Tasting Trail Tasmania committee.
It is fantastic to see the realisation of the Albanese Labor Government election commitment for $12.5M for the redevelopment of the old Dismal Swamp site into a tourism adventure hub. Expressions of Interest for investor and developer interest will be out shortly.
Today, we supported the reopening of Wing’s Wildlife Park's native wildlife hospital, which was destroyed in the October 2022 floods. If you or your visitors find injured animals, or if your business wants to partner with WWP, please reach out. This aligns perfectly with our positive impact agenda.
Recent weeks have shown us the importance of how vigilant we need to be checking email sources. Our emails were compromised recently, so a reminder to stay alert for any suspicious emails.
August is packed with events! The Tasmanian Tourism Conference will be a highlight, and we want you there. To help, we're considering a complimentary coach service. Let us know if you're interested in taking our survey HERE.
A reminder that the Tasmanian Tourism Showcase is in Hobart on Friday 2nd (for industry), and Saturday 3rd August (for general public). If you're in town, come by and say hi! Even better, if you want to help out at our booth and talk about how great our region is, reach out to Sarah Norton.
Photo | (left to right) Meg Hely, Gabriella Conti and Sarah Norton.
New Visitor Statistics Released
Year Ending March 2024
The latest Tasmanian Visitor Survey data shows Tasmania welcomed a total of 1.28 million visitors in the 12 months to March 2024, spending $3.5 billion, with 531.94 thousand of these visitors coming to our region!
Overall, visitor expenditure is higher than pre-COVID levels, but there is a trend downwards for spend as rising costs of living places pressure on households and travel decisions.
We understand business owners have limited time for surveys and frequent information requests. However, your input helps us and the Tasmanian Government develop policies and programs that address your business challenges and support our industry's growth, especially in the current economic climate.
Earlier this year, the Tourism and Hospitality Workforce Advisory Committee (comprised of the TICT and the THA) launched its workforce pulse survey. Building on that, and to continue to inform the Committee's work, the Department of State Growth and the University of Tasmania are looking for further information from operators.
The $50million Regional Tourism Development Loan Scheme is now open for applications.
The scheme is available to promote investment in tourism products and experiences that stimulate regional tourism and dispersal in Tasmania. Loans are available between $100,000 and $3 million.
The scheme will open for applications until 2pm, 30 June 2026 or until all funding has been utilised, whichever occurs first.
The Australian Centre for Regional Events empowers regional and rural Australian event organisers to create unforgettable experiences with lasting social, economic, and tourism benefits. The centre offers a variety of tailored training and development programs, including eLearning modules, face-to-face bootcamps, masterclasses, leadership coaching, and mentorship. Their programs cater to regional councils, tourism bodies, event volunteers, and community members, fostering dynamic and sustainable event practices across the country.
View over 90 tourism operators from across Tasmania in one convenient location. Special offers only available at the event, free entry and lucky door prizes on offer.
Date: Friday, 2nd (industry) + Saturday, 3rd August (public)
A hands on workshop focused on creating all forms of Instagram content, including feed posts, stories, and reels. This is including easy ways to create engaging content using the Instagram app, as well as third-party apps such as Canva.
Join us as we unlock the secrets to transforming your Instagram presence.
The Tourism Industry Council Tasmania (TICT) has will host a number of additional positive impact tourism workshops that will bring regenerative tourism specialist Nic Cooper, and TICT carbon advisor Lauren Cameron, to every region.
These half day workshops will cover the why, what and how of sustainable, regenerative and positive impact tourism, with a specific focus on reducing carbon emissions in your businesses.
The workshops will be free for accredited tourism operators and TICT members, and $25 for non-members and non-accredited attendees.
Future Focus: 2024 Tasmanian Tourism Conference
REGISTRATIONS ARE NOW OPEN
Practical workshops on contemporary tourism, business skills and insights, the latest industry updates and market intel, inspirational keynote speakers and lots of networking opportunities:
Day 1 "Workshop Day" | August 20
A selection of 11 intensive 75-minute workshops
The Evening Networking Event | August 20
An evening jam-packed full of networking, delicious Tasmanian food & beverage, and live entertainment.
Day 2 "Tourism Policy & Strategy" | August 21
Key policy and strategy presentations, breakout sessions on industry priorities, and inspirational talks by leading experts.
VxT can tailor a course to your specific business needs? This includes conducting the training at your venue, at a time that suits your business! More Info: please reach out by contacting courses@vxt.org.au.
The Trusted Advisor Program connects emerging professionals in tourism, events, and hospitality (Advisees) with established industry leaders (Advisors) for a transformative 10-week coaching journey. Participants meet fortnightly from early August to October, either online or in person, with opportunities for workplace visits where feasible.
If you have any questions about the Trusted Advisor Program and how you or your staff can be involved, please direct them to Bella Alcorso at the TICT - bella.alcorso@tict.com.au
The $50 million Regional Tourism Development Loan Scheme is now open for applications. The scheme is available to promote investment in tourism products and experiences that stimulate regional tourism and dispersal in Tasmania. Loans are available between $100,000 and $3 million. The scheme will open for applications until 2pm, 30 June 2026 or until all funding has been utilised, whichever occurs first.
The Small Business Advice and Financial Guidance Program supports Tasmanian small businesses to be flexible, innovative and efficient. It provides eligible small businesses with access to specialist financial services or business support to assist in their growth, transition, business recovery from unexpected events or application of management strategies. Successful applicants will receive a grant of between $1,000 and $1,500 to obtain financial or business guidance services
All Tasmanian business owners, managers, marketers or representatives are welcome to participate. All you need to be is a registered Tasmanian business with an ABN. The confidential coaching sessions are tailor-made to your business by our skilled coaches, they run for up to 4 hours and are free of charge. Coaching sessions can be delivered in person or remotely via Zoom or phone.
The Tasmanian Business Advice Service provides free business advice to Tasmanian small businesses. Experienced advisors can help you with a wide variety of topics. To find out more about the support available to you, click the button below that best describes your business.
VXT is a purpose-built organisation, providing training in the hospitality and tourism industry. Visit their website for upcoming training courses in our region.
The First Nations Tourism Mentoring Program (FNTMP) is a free mentoring program for First Nations tourism businesses across Australia. It supports businesses to grow and achieve their goals by connecting them with skilled, experienced and culturally respectful tourism industry specialists who can provide one-on-one guidance, advice and support.
Through the support of the Tasmanian Government, the TICT is supporting tourism businesses in reducing their emissions by matching eligible tourism operators with one of two programs over 2023 and 2024.
Touring grants of up to $20 000 are available to eligible organisers of auto, motorbike, cycle or walking tours in Tasmania during the winter and shoulder season. Funding is based on the number of interstate or international participants staying in paid commercial accommodation for five nights or more, with 40 percent or more of the tour being held in regional areas.
The Scheme will provide no-interest loans of between $500 and $10,000 over three years to eligible households, residential landlords, small businesses and community organisations for funding investment in energy-efficient products.
The scheme provides small, interest-free loans of up to $3 000 to people on low incomes who want to start their own business or grow an existing one.
The Cultural Tourism Accelerator Program The Cultural Tourism Accelerator Program is a $5 million targeted measure announced by the Australian Government as part of the Regional Arts Tourism package.
There are four grants available under this program. See website for more detail.
Most local councils offer their own grant programs. Check your local council website for further information.
For more detail on grants and funding, you can ring the Business Tasmania helpline any time on 1800 440 026 or email ask@business.tas.gov.au.
If you know of anybody who would like to receive tourism updates from WxNW, please forward this email and encourage them to subscribe HERE. Note this mailing list has been drawn from ATDW, council websites, correspondence to date and other web-based research. If you wish to be removed, you may unsubscribe below.
Also, for more regular updates and interaction with our region's tourism industry, join the Friends of WxNW Facebook group.
We acknowledge Tasmanian Aboriginal people as the traditional and ongoing custodians of lutruwita (Tasmania). We honour their deep cultural connection and care of these lands, skies and waterways, and pay our respects to Elders past and present.
