As we near the end of the winter school holidays, I'll be interested to interrogate the results from our latest Quarterly Business Sentiment Survey which is currently out for industry input. While I know there's been many surveys of late, these ones really do make a difference. The strong response we consistently received on insurance led to us undertaking the work we're currently doing to quantify the impact on the tourism industry and advocating at the state and federal level. It's not too late to take part - you can find the link to that below.

On the matter of insurance, our second important survey is also still open for responses. This insurance survey is all about giving us concrete data and insights about which areas of our industry are being most impacted. This will be particularly critical as we work with our next State Government and continue efforts with the Federal Government. So again, if you want to share your experience, strictly confidentially, you can do so here.

On the week ahead, Tasmanians head to the polls this Saturday and I will certainly keep you updated as the results become clearer, as well as what it means for our industry which continues to have strong support. But importantly, our industry continues to move forward and the TICT team will have a strong presence at the Tasmanian Tourism Showcase in Hobart next week. I'll be providing a short update to industry but importantly the team will be available to operators for two opportunities - the first for existing accredited operators who would like to check in with us and the second as a general business health check - you do not need to be accredited for this. These are free and unique so please don't be shy in reaching out and booking an appointment.

Talking Tourism Podcasts are back!

We’ve also heard from you that you enjoy listening to our Talking Tourism podcast - now, with more than 150 episodes available. After a brief hiatus, we’re bringing it back. Each month, we’ll release a new episode aimed at giving operators the latest business and tourism insights, trends and advice from the industry’s leading figures. Details on the first new episode are below - you won’t want to miss it.

And finally, I'll be presenting to our Victorian tourism colleagues next week at their regional tourism summit about Tasmania's winter experience and learnings but will be back in time to see as many of you as possible at the Showcase. Until then, have a great weekend.

Amy Hills - Chief Executive Officer, TICT