We’re back to providing our regular Friday updates and today I wanted to give you a bit of a wrap up of the past few days and alert you to some important upcoming opportunities. At this time of global uncertainty, we are hoping to strike the right balance between advocacy, updates and education, while continuing to focus on things that matter strategically in the longer term.

I’d like to thank everyone who attended our webinar with the Federal Assistant Tourism Minister, Senator Nita Green. It’s not often we get the ability to provide direct feedback from Tasmanian tourism operators to decision makers in Canberra. Next week, we start to move into our educational webinars under the banner of our Skilled in Sixty series. These are designed to address some of the challenges and concerns we are hearing from operators right now so please check them out below.

At the same time, the TICT has been very clear that it does not believe the Tasmanian Government’s Short Stay Levy is the right policy, especially for implementation during these times. Yesterday, the Government tabled its legislation following the consultation period. A few important changes have been made including exempting bookings made directly with an accommodation provider, as well as exempting rooms in an occupied residence. And the anticipated July 2026 start date has been delayed until at least January 2027. While these are important improvements, the TICT will continue to advocate its opposition as the Bill moves through the Parliamentary process. You can read the Government’s media release here.

Two really important initiatives which are close to our heart are also being launched today – our second Educational Tour for young and emerging tourism professionals and the return of the Tassie Tour Guide Award for the second year. Both these programs were exceptionally supported last year – so please check them out and we’d love your involvement. Please have a safe Tasmanian school holiday period.

Amy Hills, CEO, and the TICT Team