As promised in my industry communications last week, today I wanted to provide you with a short update following Tuesday's sitting of State Parliament. A week is a long time in politics, and the TICT is looking forward to working constructively with the new Tasmanian Government and all elected Members of Parliament to continue delivering positive results for industry.

We welcome the new Minister for Tourism, Events and Hospitality, Jane Howlett, and look forward to working collaboratively with her along with the Minister for Parks, Nick Duigan and the Minister for Skills and Training, Felix Ellis on delivering on the priorities of the 2030 Visitor Economy Strategy. At the same time, we will also work closely and collaboratively with all members of Parliament as we continue to progress our positive impact agenda, as well as our contribution to regional communities and jobs. The TICT also welcomes the new Leader of the Opposition, Josh Willie, and looks forward to briefing him on our industry in the coming weeks.

Confidence in our industry is key and I'm very excited to say that we are preparing to welcome the first of the two new Spirit of Tasmania ferries into Tasmanian waters. If you haven't already caught up, there will be an opportunity to join a community celebration in Devonport on Friday night to mark the occasion. Following that, the vessel will make its way to Hobart for further fit-out and training exercises. These two new vessels really do represent an important step change for the future of our industry, and we are certainly keen to celebrate their arrival here in Tasmania and also continue to focus our efforts on operator, destination and infrastructure preparedness until they are in service.

This weekend, I am looking forward to seeing operators on the East Coast at the 2025 East Coast Winter Famil, followed the TICT's annual regional board retreat in Freycinet. We then have the second of our Nature Tourism Symposiums in Hobart and then I'll be heading to Sydney to be part of a panel discussion at the Tourism and Transport Forum's national Outlook Conference to highlight Tasmania's leadership in sustainable management. So, a busy one ahead, but all exciting and important work on behalf of you, our operators. Have a great weekend.

Amy Hills - Chief Executive Officer, TICT