In this edition of my industry update, I'm keen to bring together a range of recent announcements that relate particularly to the arrival of the new Spirit of Tasmania vessels as well as different elements of the Spirit Support Package being funded by the Tasmanian Government. I understand it can be difficult for our operators to stay across all these elements, so here is a summary:

• The Tasmanian Government has updated its timeframe for delivery of the new berthing infrastructure for the new ships allowing them to start operations.
• An update has also been provided by Spirit of Tasmania and the Tasmanian Government on the Bring Your Car for Free initiative being run to entice self-drive travellers to the state during the off-season.
• Applications for the Spirit Preparedness Fund close at 2pm Tuesday 20 May. Eligible businesses can apply for support to create authentic Tasmanian experiences which respond to core and emerging visitor demand and directly contribute to our visitor economy. More information can be found here.
• And the Tasmanian Government announced its Eat Local, Stay Local voucher program last weekend. Tasmanians will need to register their interest in a ballot system in the weeks following 2 June. Those who are allocated a voucher can claim a reimbursement of up to $100 on eligible tourism and hospitality expenditure. More information on the scheme and eligible activities is available here, including the ability for operators to ask questions.

Finally, on Monday this week it was important for the TICT to appear before the Public Accounts Committee investigating the delays to the new vessels to speak about the impact on industry, and the various supports. And at the West by North West Forum next week, I'll be updating industry on a new educational tool we will soon have available to operators to better understand the caravan and motorhome market as well as an insight into operator case studies.

Finally, please don't wait to book your tickets to our 2025 Tasmanian Tourism Conference - all the details are below - it's all about resilience and reinvention - a perfect theme for where we're all at. Have a great weekend.

Amy Hills - CEO, Tourism Industry Council Tasmania