I want to start today's final industry message for 2024 with a big thank you to our operators and industry partners for continuing to follow and support the work of the TICT this past year.

It is our mission to represent the industry with purpose, provide a strong and united voice, as well as lead with bold ideas to help shape a sustainable and beneficial future for tourism in Tasmania.

The TICT looks forward to continuing to work hard for our operators each and every day in 2025, building on some of the highlights we've achieved together this year which included;

• Tasmania led the nation at the 2023 Qantas Australian Tourism Awards, with SEVEN Gold medals and a total of 19 accolades.
• Devonport took out Australia’s Top Tourism Town, Richmond claimed bronze in Australia’s Small Tourism Town category and Stanley took out silver for Australia’s Tiny Tourism Town - again, a result which puts Tassie firmly on the national map.
• 44 new operators became accredited through the Quality Tourism Framework, with 184 operators upskilling further by taking part in additional programs and development pathways (such as EcoStar, Accessibility, STARS, and Risk Management - just to name a few).
• 107 operators took part in program 1 of our nation-leading emissions reduction program, with a number of others taking part in the more advanced program.
• The TICT undertook more than 500 hours of entrant support and mentoring for operators involved in the 2024 Tasmanian Tourism Awards and had a sell-out crowd of 450 people at our Awards Gala in November, where we welcomed back into the program the People’s Choice Award.
• We now have 1,230 Tasmanian Tourism Ambassadors across the state, with 7 new regional modules launched this year.
• Our Nature Tourism Days were back in Hobart and Launceston, among many other events and networking opportunities, including our successful Leadership Luncheon series and Tasmanian Tourism Conference.
• The TICT advocated for multi millions of dollars in commitments to industry through the 2024 State Election and subsequent State Budget.

We know it's been a big year of many twists and turns, but we look forward to continuing to support you in every way we can in 2025.

We wish you all a very Merry Christmas, and a safe and happy New Year!

Amy Hills - CEO, Tourism Industry Council Tasmania