Tourism Industry Disappointed in Failure to Invest in Tourism Destinational Marketing
The Tourism Industry Council of Tasmania says it is disappointed in the State Government’s failure to invest more in destinational promotion at a time when the industry faces major challenges.TICT Chief Executive Officer Daniel Hanna said today the Government had ignored the industry’s call for a further $4 million to promote the State in key markets and drive increased preference to visit the State.
“Overall funding for tourism marketing has dropped from $18.6 million to $15.2 million. We knew this was coming but argued in our Budget submission for an injection of funds to offset the negative impact of the triple whammy currently hitting the tourism industry – an increase in fuel prices, high interest rates and a strong Australian dollar. At a time when other states are announcing new tourism marketing investments, Tasmania risks being left behind,” Mr Hanna said.
However Mr Hanna said there were some good initiatives in the Budget for tourism.
“We particularly welcome the $23 million for the Tarkine tourist road which will lead to the development of further tourism infrastructure. The TICT believes that the Tarkine has the potential to be the next major visitor destination in the region and the investment is consistent with TICT calls for improved infrastructure to help deliver on the ambitious Tourism 21 targets. This is a very sensitive area and we welcome the fact the Government is committed to further consultation on the route.
“We also welcome investment of $8 milllion to promote the Tasmanian Brand in national and international markets – it is very important to have a clear, consistent and strong brand across all sectors which industry can leverage for its own marketing.
Mr Hanna said the $12 million for Heritage and Urban Renewal over four years out of the $25 million fund set up from proceeds from the sale of the Hobart International Airport – including $1 million for Port Arthur – as well as the $12 million funding for research into the devil facial tumour disease, would help protect Tasmanian icons.
- Commitment of $10 million to establish the independent Environment Protection Authority which the TCIT lobbied for;
- The $200,000 to kickstart the multi-day Three Capes Walk track on the Tasman Peninsula;
- Ongoing funding for the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery Redevelopment;
- An $8 million package to upgrade Bruny Island roads and the ferry service;
- Commitment to continue the review of the State’s planning system.
Mr Hanna said that in its Budget submissions in recent years the TICT had consistently called for initiatives to address skills and labour shortages and was pleased to see the Government’s commitment of $7.2 million for additional training places.
“We also welcome the development of a comprehensive skills strategy to improve labour productivity, and an investment in innovative new models to increase the ICT skills of small tourism operators through the Productivity through Partnerships initiative between the TICT and Skills Tasmania,” Mr Hanna said.
