It's during challenging times that industry and community can unite and look to the future

As we've all moved through the events of the past six months, whether it be the global fuel challenge, cost of living pressures or constant disruption in our state political circles, it's become clearer than ever, that as a community, we are seeking a shared vision and the unity to achieve it.

A shared vision is so much more than the ins and outs of the daily media cycle; it provides the all-important 'why' behind everything we do. It's the justification for every policy and funding decision, the driving force behind where we invest our collective time, energy and focus, and it gives future generations a better understanding of the opportunities open to them. It's also a prospectus for others across the country who may be looking to make Tasmania their future home. At a time when our population growth is slowing, this is more important than ever before.

What I do know from working in tourism here and across the country is that those outside our island are envious of what we have. They understand that our island gives us a unique opportunity to test and try ideas that may not get off the ground in the big centres of Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane. Here in Tasmania, we have proven over and over again that we are innovators, entrepreneurs and collaborators. These values are being exhibited every day, but as a community we are not hearing about or showcasing them anywhere near enough.

What's been shown through previous times of austerity and global disruption is that innovation and creative thinking necessarily come to the fore. During the early days of the global fuel crisis for example, we saw tourism businesses start to collaborate, share resources and work together rather than compete. Again, something we see much more readily on our small island than across Bass Strait.

Sitting in a room of leaders from northern Tasmania discussing that city's designation as a UNESCO City of Gastronomy, it occurred to me how lucky we are to have these brilliant minds in our state and why we weren't amplifying them even further. Similarly, sitting at one of the many Dark Mofo events, listening to world-class artists in one of the most stunning surroundings in the world, I realised this experience couldn't be emulated anywhere else.

What does this all mean? It means that industries like mine, and many others on which this state depends, need to work hand in hand not only with each other but also with our communities, to provide a future vision for our state, one that our young people can understand and see. As the saying goes, you can't be what you can't see.

That means showcasing the everyday Tasmanians who are doing extraordinary things. We need to understand that, as industries, we must give back to the communities in which we work. The visitor economy is leading the way through the 2030 Visitor Economy Strategy. We know we have a way to go, but we're deeply committed.

As an industry that employs one in six Tasmanians either directly or indirectly - the highest contribution of tourism filled jobs in the country - we take our responsibility to this state seriously. Especially given so many of our businesses are based in regional Tasmania.

We need to amplify the good work occurring within our ranks and, in turn, inspire future generations of Tasmanians about the opportunities that exist right here at home. So many of us are humble, which is why the world is drawn to us. We find it uncomfortable to talk about our successes. But it's important that we do. We also need to showcase the humanity we display every day - towards our community, our visitors and environment. It's about making Tasmania a centre of excellence in areas that make sense, such as tourism, events and hospitality training, and continuing to advocate for conditions to inspire innovation hubs.

The journey can be difficult and takes time, but it is worth it. We can work together to chart our future and develop the strategic, deep and meaningful roadmap our state needs, while bringing stakeholders and the community along for the journey. As we embark on the next three years of our 2030 Visitor Economy Strategy and chart the future beyond that - our industry will continue to humbly yet confidently support our island. As a state and community, we have so much to be proud of. The secret to success is collaborating in a way that only we know how.

Amy Hills,

CEO, Tourism Industry Council Tasmania