So much has happened since my last update, with another State Election underway and the TICT working hard on its advocacy agenda. We've now had three elections in my nearly two years as CEO - so it's a familiar process but we must advocate strongly each time to ensure our importance to Tasmania is recognised. I'm pleased to say that tourism has featured strongly within the first two weeks of the campaign, again showing that our messages are getting through, as is our contribution to Tasmania's economy.

In the past week both the Labor and Liberal Parties have released their tourism policies. We also look forward to hearing from other candidates interested in supporting our visitor economy over the course of the campaign.

Critically for the TICT, the unpassed 2025-26 State Budget had addressed a significant decline in funding to Tourism Tasmania in the out-years and the TICT had called for bi-partisan support for that when Parliament resumes to give us certainty in demand generation. Similarly, funding for the Aviation Development Fund, Visitor Economy Strategy, and the more than $33 million in additional funding over the forward estimates to Parks & Wildlife to undergo upgrades and improvements, as well as business events.

A commitment to moving forward the new School of the Visitor Economy at Drysdale is a critical priority, as well as commitments to addressing our worker accommodation, insurance and postcode challenges.

As you would now know, the industry has been advised that due to the Tasmanian Government currently operating under caretaker mode, the Eat Local Stay Local Program has been paused until confirmation of a result following the State Election on 19 July 2025, when the matter will be referred to the incoming Government. I do want to acknowledge the work that many of our operators would have done to prepare for these.

Last week also, I travelled to Launceston to attend a small roundtable with Federal Minister for Tourism and Trade, Don Farrell. It was the Minister's first time back to Tasmania since the Federal Election and we were able to discuss the importance of Tasmania's visitor economy to jobs, major infrastructure investments which require federal funding as well as the critical issue of insurance. We agreed he will return soon to discuss them further in more detail.

And finally, our annual Tasmanian Tourism Conference is nothing but if not timely. In addition to the packed agenda of specialist speakers and thought leaders, both Liberal Leader Jeremy Rockliff and Labor Leader Dean Winter will address Day 2 of the Conference. The attendance across the two days plus the evening event has been incredibly strong - and I really can't wait to see you all over the next few days for one of our biggest events of the year - and to announce the winners of our Top Tourism Towns and inaugural Tassie Tour Guide Awards.

Apologies for the long update but it was an important one. Please stay safe and warm as we head into the Tassie July school holidays.

Amy Hills - Chief Executive Officer, TICT