Yesterday, the Tasmanian Treasurer, Eric Abetz, brought down the 2026/27 State Budget and as widely forecast there will be challenging times ahead as the Government strives to return to an operating surplus in two years’ time. That said, the Budget included a variety of welcome measures relating to the visitor economy, showing continued acknowledgement of our industry's return to the broader economy.

In particular, the TICT welcomes Government funding for a range of initiatives, including:

• Funding for the Parks service including for park maintenance and sustaining safety and access in our parks, as well as a range of capital projects;
• New funding to support the critical and ongoing work of the Tasmanian Tourism and Hospitality Academy in training the workforce of the future, especially in our regional areas;
• Promised funding towards new business events infrastructure in the north, West Coast Wilderness Railway, the Next Iconic Walk and Derby Masterplan;
• Continued recognition through significant funding over the next four years of the vital role events play in supporting winter visitation in particular, while supporting regional economies and jobs.

Confirmation of ongoing destination marketing funds for Tourism Tasmania over the next four years is welcome and a big improvement on last year’s interim budget. However, with an efficiency dividend taken into account, there’s a downward trend in total appropriation over time. And while we understand it is important that everyone works to find efficiencies, we need to ensure we remain as agile and responsive as possible in the coming years, given the uncertain global conditions. So please be assured this will continue to be one of the TICT's top advocacy priorities as we move through future budget cycles. Of course, the continued support of the TT-Line and ensuring our two new vessels get into operation in October - which remains on track - is also welcome.

You can read more about the State Budget at Tasmanian Budget 2026-27 | Premier of Tasmania and my media statement here.

I remain firmly of the view that we have huge opportunity ahead and that was on show at the annual North West Tourism Forum in Devonport this week. What stood out to me is the wonderful optimism and thirst for knowledge that was in the room, and I look forward to sharing that with everyone at our Tasmanian Tourism Conference in July - don't miss out - grab your early bird tickets now.

And finally, we have an important survey included in today's newsletter that I'd encourage you all to put aside some time to complete. The TICT has been funded to develop a Statewide Industry Development Strategy and to do this we need your thoughts on the gaps and opportunities - from the coal face. Thank you in advance. Have a great weekend.

Amy Hills, CEO