Today's update is coming to you as I prepare to head to Bicheno for the annual Bicheno Beams Festival - not only is this event designed to entice visitors to the coast during winter to stay in our accommodation and frequent our coffee shops and cafes - it's also run by an incredible group of passionate volunteers (as so many of our events are). Can't wait to check it out for the first time!

A lot happens in two weeks and we now have a new Minister for Tourism, Hospitality and Events, Roger Jaensch. The Minister will be known to many in the north west in particular through his previous involvement and connection with our industry in that region. During times of change, it's the TICT's role to work speedily and collaboratively with Government to ensure the opportunities and challenges being faced by our industry are understood and we move forward. This is what we are focused on. I also shared my thoughts about the leadership role our industry has during times of global uncertainty and constant change in the Mercury Newspaper this week. If you wanted to take a read you can do so here.

I also wanted to reassure you that we are very aware and staying in close contact with relevant Tasmanian authorities on the detection of H5N1 - Bird Flu (Avian Influenza) - in South Australia and Western Australia. As always during such times, your source of truth for information will come through Tourism Tasmania's Tourism Talk newsletter, but you can also find up to date information at www.nre.tas.gov.au/BirdFlu. The main message for now is preparedness and vigilance in Tasmania.

Finally, I wanted to congratulate everyone involved in another successful Dark Mofo Festival. What this year's festival taught us is that if we all work together in advance - our events, airlines, airports, demand generators and industry - then our strategy works. We saw a record amount of air capacity coming into the state for a Dark Mofo festival.

The TICT team looks forward to seeing everyone who has registered for our Spirit of Tasmania preparedness workshops in Devonport and Launceston next week - it's great that there's been so much interest - thank you.

See you out and about soon and stay warm.

Amy Hills, CEO