TICT Quarterly - Winter 2020

QUARTERLY

WINTER | 2020 | EDITION 2

WINTER | 2020 | ISSUE 2

TOURISM INDUSTRY COUNCIL TASMANIA

Image credit: Luke Tscharke

STRONGER | BETTER | TOGETHER

08

POLICY WATCH: Recovery & Reopening Priorities from TICT CEO Luke Martin

14

COVID19 CLEAN: The free accreditation module to give your staff and customers confidence

18

TICT TASSIE TOURISM MASTERCLASS: Learn from the best and brightest in our tourism network - online and at no cost!

1

Tasmania’s Production Company

Tourism media production Location scouting/management Event direction/production VJP guiding Logistics Level One • 2 Salamanca Square • Battery Point TAS 7004 info@hypetv.com.au 0424 436 422 Official Media Partner of TICT 2

WINTER | 2020 | ISSUE 2

CONTENTS: Welcome from Luke Martin

2

A message from TICT Chair Daniel Leesong

4

From the Premier

6

Policy Watch - Recovery & Reopening Priorities

8

Accreditation News

12

COVID19 Clean Practicing Business

14

Tourism Tasmania - Supporting our Industry Rebuild

15

TICT Tassie Toursim Masterclass

18

To advertise in the next TICT Quarterly or for editorial enquiries contact michaela.lamprey@tict.com.au

1

WELCOME: FROM THE CEO

W

ell, we’re back!

Welcome to the second edition of TICT Quarterly – our bold attempt at establishing a quality, thought-leading industry journal for the Tasmanian tourism industry and visitor economy.

We did get a really encouraging response to the inaugural edition we sent out over Summer, and we had the follow-up Autumn edition ready to drop at the end of March, which was going to have a really positive focus on women working across our industry.

Then the world ended.

Well, not quite - but for those of us in tourism it has certainly felt that way at times.

The last couple of months have been traumatic, emotional and uncertain for everyone who works in Tasmania’s tourism and hospitality sector. The systematic and total shutdown of our successful and exciting visitor economy in the space of basically a week was beyond the worst of our nightmares.

Talking to so many tourism operators over the past few weeks about the challenges you’ve had to work through in your business. Letting staff go. Sifting through the details of the support packages being made launched by

2

government. Worrying about the banks. It has been heartbreaking.

But at the same time it has also been inspiring to see the resilience on display from so many of you. The positivity throughout the regular zoom catch-ups the RTOs have been running. The examples coming through on a daily basis of operators innovating in re-setting their business for the recovery. The way my board, and our industry leadership more generally, has rallied, focussed and collaborated with our partners in government on laying the pathway to our recovery.

Today, we have a light at the end of tunnel for when restrictions will be lifted and when our borders might reopen.

In this context, we are proud to launch this edition of TICT Quarterly, which is all about the Tasmanian tourism industry’s re-opening and rebuild.

It will take time, and there will be more frustration to come, but the Black Swan is passing by and our industry will come out of this stronger, better, and together.

Luke Martin Chief Executive Officer

WINTER | 2020 | ISSUE 2

It has also been inspiring to see the resilience on display from so many of you. The positivity throughout the regular zoom catchups the RTOs have been running. The examples coming through on a daily basis of operators innovating in re-setting their business for the recovery. The way my board, and our industry leadership more generally, has rallied, focussed and collaborated with our partners in government on laying the pathway to our recovery.

Image credit: Stu Gibson

3

A MESSAGE FROM OUR CHAIR

I

’m writing to you from quarantine in self-isolation in WA! Like so many of you, I have had to make many very difficult decisions over the past few weeks to ensure my own business makes it through to the other side of COVID. In the weeks leading up to the March shut-down I was franticly organising tradies putting the finishing touches on two new Coal River Farm retail outlets in Perth and Fremantle, rushing to have them open in time for Easter.

Those stores have been sitting empty since, chewing through rent, earning no income, and causing me far too many sleepless nights.

It has been a disruption like no other, and my thoughts are with all my tourism colleagues across the State. Especially the many of you, who, like my family, have it all on the line. It’s been tough.

4

With restrictions easing in WA, last week I made the decision to fly-over and go into quarantine for 14 days so I can finally get these stores open and generating some revenue.

Mine might be an extreme example, but so many of us in business have had to do things we never would have imagined doing just ten weeks ago.

Letting much valued staff go, or cutting their hours, seeking government support and loan deferrals, and resetting budgets and business plans with no real certainty about when things might begin to normalise.

It has been a disruption like no other, and my thoughts are with all my tourism colleagues across the State. Especially the many of you, who, like my family, have it all on the line.

It’s been tough.

The good news is there is a light at the end of the tunnel, with local restrictions now easing, and many operators looking forward to a resumption of activities over winter. We are hearing encouraging reports about Tasmanians booking winter getaways, particularly around the July School Holidays.

The intrastate market is not going to be the same for everyone, and we need to be realistic about its scale and the economic challenges many Tasmanian families are now confronting, meaning getaways are not possible for everyone. But it’s something we need to embrace, and it will be so great to see people travelling the State again soon.

Obviously, attention has now turned to our interstate borders, and when we can expect to welcome back our interstate visitors.

The reality for many businesses like mine, is that this is when our recovery can really begin.

As an industry we would have preferred a national approach to border restrictions being lifted. This is clearly not going to happen with different States adopting different approaches, including in Tasmania.

I do take my hat off to our Premier, who has done an exceptional job in the most difficult of circumstances.

He has been very open with me, and the industry, about his position on slowly lifting restrictions always in the interests of the public heath of Tasmanians. We respect his approach.

He has made clear he hopes to be able to announce a date in July for when border restrictions will be lifted.

Assuming the country continues to supress the virus as restrictions continue to ease across the country, we should look forward to our domestic markets re-opening soon after.

It has been up-lifting to see the way our industry has rallied over the past few weeks at all levels. Many operators are connecting through Zoom meetings, and the overarching sense is one of optimism and positivity about how we will come out of this crisis.

This is particularly true with TICT. Our board is meeting regularly with very high levels of engagement identifying both the immediate priorities for operators around business support, along with the steps we need to take over coming months and years to rebuild our great visitor economy.

After the initial shock and trauma of the shutdown, our board discussions have been forward looking and positive, with a sense of unity and shared purpose that makes our Tasmanian tourism industry unique.

As Chair, I’m proud of the role TICT is playing in making relevant and timely information available to industry through our ‘Talking Tourism’ Podcasts and other regular communications out to the industry, while quickly bringing together some exciting new business development programs that many operators will participate in over-coming months.

WINTER | 2020 | ISSUE 2

I share the frustration being expressed by many tourism operators in struggling to rationalise the contradictory messages coming from the Prime Minister and the Federal Government that there is no medical basis for States to have closed their borders, with the position of some State Governments maintaining border restrictions indefinitely.

TICT will continue to advocate and ensure the industry has a strong voice through the crisis and the recovery.

We will always be constructive in putting our ideas and priorities forward to the industry, all levels of government and the community.

TICT will continue to advocate and ensure the industry has a strong voice through the crisis and the recovery. We will always be constructive in putting our ideas and priorities forward to the industry, all levels of government and the community.

I want to thank you for your support of our organisation and the industry through these difficult months, and wish you and your business well for the re-opening and recovery ahead.

Daniel Leesong Chair TICT

5

MESSAGE FROM TASMANIA’S PREMIER AND MINISTER FOR TOURISM: PETER GUTWEIN

Our visitor economy will play a pivotal role in rebuilding Tasmania’s economy

H

eading into 2020, Tasmania and its industry was the envy of the nation, nationally recognised for our world class destination and high quality, unique products and experiences.

The growth of our visitor economy over the past decade was testament to the hard work and commitment of so many of you working in the tourism and hospitality industry.

Unprecedented times have called for strong and decisive action, but we will rebuild again. The visitor economy will be one of the key pillars that will support our future economy, as a key jobs creator and driver of regional economies.

Just as we have worked together to minimise the spread of coronavirus in our community, we will work together to rebuild a stronger visitor economy.

6

Tasmanians have had to make fundamental changes to the way we live our lives. We have all sacrificed significantly, for a greater cause - to protect the lives of Tasmanians. I particularly note the price paid by our tourism and hospitality sectors which were the first to be hit by closures and shutdowns. Your professionalism and regard for the safety of your guests and Tasmanians during such an incredibly challenging time to you personally, has been simply outstanding.

Now our challenge is to ensure we don’t undo our hard work.

We need to carefully work our way back to normal in order to recover and build a stronger Tasmania. Our recovery will be gradually staged and based on public health advice. I cannot stress enough the need for all of us to continue to do the right thing to reduce the risk of a second wave and most importantly protect lives. Only through the ongoing effective management of COVID-19, can we begin to contemplate the easing of further restrictions, including the critical decision as to when we may re-open our borders.

We have established the Premier’s Social and Economic and Advisory Council that will advise Government on the steps that will support and drive our economy over the short and medium term. In addition to that, the tried and tested structure that has served our visitor economy so well over

many years - the T2 I process - has been activated. Through the Premier’s Visitor Economy Advisory Council (PVEAC), chaired by myself, we have endorsed T2 I as a mechanism to ensure coordinated work between government and industry on the industry specific recovery process. You will see a more responsive and agile T2 I governance structure, through a dedicated T2 I Recovery Committee that will be meet fortnightly, reporting into PVEAC which will be meeting monthly, meaning that the leaders from the Tourism Industry Council Tasmania and the Tasmanian Hospitality Association will be fully engaged.

The top priority for this group will be working to re-establish aviation access back to our state. Our visitor economy will be dependent upon this when it is safe to reopen our borders to interstate travellers.

Image credit: Jason Charles Hill

Tourism Tasmania has been tasked with working with its industry partners to develop a Recovery Plan, which will help drive demand, beginning with our intrastate market, followed by interstate markets and finally the international market.

I have also asked Tourism Tasmania and the Hobart Airport to investigate what can be done for our state to capitalise on the potential trans-Tasman bubble with New Zealand. Recently during National Cabinet I had the opportunity to speak with Prime Minister Jacinta Ardem who is certainly open to ongoing discussions on this opportunity.

Throughout this public health emergency, I have been clear and consistent. I will continue to work as part of the National Cabinet process and be

coordinated where we can, but Tasmania will march to the beat of its own drum. Informed by public health advice, we will gradually ease restrictions, starting with intrastate movement on the 15 of June. I hope to be in a position in July 2020 to set a date that is sooner rather than later to re-open our borders to interstate visitors.

It’s very important that I reiterate the decision on the re-opening of the border to interstate traffic is as much about what is happening from a COVID-I9 perspective in the mainland States and Territories as it is about our own status in response to the pandemic. The health and safety of Tasmanians remains the ultimate priority for myself and this Government as it is I am sure for you.

As a business owner, ensuring

WINTER | 2020 | ISSUE 2

you have your COVID-Safety plan in place when you are able to reopen is critical. This plan will demonstrate how you will meet the required standards to protect the health and safety of your patrons and guests. At the same time, Tasmanians must do their bit and we’ll be reminding our community, regularly and firmly, of the responsibilities they have to continue to do the right things during the foreseeable future.

Please know, that the Government is acutely aware of the severe impact that this pandemic has wreaked on the industry and on your individual businesses but it is also equally respectful of the important role our visitor economy plays in supporting jobs, our regional communities and our entire Tasmanian economy.

Just as we have worked with our industry during the immediate response to COVID-19, we will continue to do so during recovery.

As Premier I thank you personally for your support, I admire the professionalism and resilience which is always on display and will be essential to our collective efforts to reclaim our position as Australia’s premium tourism destination.

Peter Gutwein MP Premier

7

POLICY WATCH: RECOVERY & REOPENING PRIORITIES FROM TICT CEO LUKE MARTIN

S

ince the shut-down first began in March, the TICT Board has been talking about our industry priorities for the recovery and rebuild of our visitor economy.

We’ve been very clear with the State and Federal Government about what must be done to secure businesses through the shut-down, but also some practical ideas to kick-start visitor demand when the time is right, and ultimately lay the foundations for our next era of tourism growth.

Some of these ideas are likely to feature in the ‘T30’ – Rebuild Plan we’re working on with the Tasmanian Government.

8

TAKE YOUR CAR ON BASS STRAIT FOR FREE The big-ticket item that has already got a lot of media attention, particularly in the north-west, is our proposal for the Bass Strait Passenger Vehicle Equalisation Scheme (BSPVES) to be increased, at least temporarily, to make the cost of taking your vehicle across Bass Strait $0.

The BSPVES is the unsung hero of the Tasmanian tourism industry.

Introduced by John Howard in 1996, with the expressed intent of making the cost of taking your vehicle across Bass Strait roughly the equivalent to the cost of driving the same distance on the national highway network, the BSPVES has underpinned the success of the Spirit of Tasmania service for 25-years.

We’ve been very clear with the State and Federal Government about what must be done to secure businesses through the shutdown, but also some practical ideas to kick-start visitor demand when the time is right, and ultimately lay the foundations for our next era of tourism growth.

The BSPVES is beautiful in its simplicity.

The Australian Government simply makes a payment to TT Line for every vehicle the Spirit of Tasmania carries across Bass Strait. This reduces the cost to travellers for the vehicle component of their passage.

Unfortunately, for whatever reason, the BSPVES was not indexed by the Australian Government from 1996 to 2008, meaning it has lost some of its relative value over the years.

There is now a ‘gap’ of about $110 for a standard vehicle eachway that passengers pay as part of their fare.

We know it is going to take time for air services to return to pre-COVID levels, particularly in regional Tasmania. But we have our two Spirits ready to go now.

All the research is indicating many Australians are likely to want to travel with their own car over coming months. The driving holiday is in-vogue.

Increasing the BSPVES – and once again making it free to bring your car to Tasmania – makes perfect sense.

EVENTS, EVENTS, EVERYWHERE. The other no-brainer is investing in an events-led recovery.

When we think events and tourism, what often comes to mind is AFL Football, the Taste, Dark MOFO, and our other iconic events with lots of patrons.

These events have never been more valuable, and we must support our major event organisers over coming months as they adapt to social distancing measures and the new norm.

WINTER | 2020 | ISSUE 2

Visitors to Tasmania who arrive by sea stay longer, spend more, and disperse further through regional Tasmania. They are the lifeblood of our most remote destinations like Stanley, Strahan and down the Far South.

Over the next few months, we will not sell ourselves out, but continue to be clever, strategic, optimistic, and ambitious in realising Tasmania’s destiny as one of the world’s truly unique visitor destinations.

It takes time, money and vision, to create a major event, especially in these circumstances. We really need to protect and sustain the major events we have to ensure they can come back in 2021, before pursuing new major events.

But in the meantime, we have right now an almost endless market of community and sporting organisations across Australia, who have all had their 2020 national get-togethers and championships disrupted

by COVID and are looking to reschedule for 2021.

They are price sensitive and are likely to be looking for a cost effective, simple and low-risk option.

Tasmania should be that option.

Launceston has proven itself in this space with its growing events calendar over the past couple of years, but every part of the State has seen the value of participatory events in bringing visitors to their region.

9

Image credit: Adam Gibson

Going hard now and incentivising organisations, including financially, to schedule their 2021 championships and national get-togethers in Tassie is simple tourism ‘money ball’.

Through the back half of last year, you shared with us your vision for Tasmanian tourism as part of the consultations across Tasmania in shaping the new ‘T30’ Tasmanian Visitor Economy Strategy.

We do not have to invest a lot to get a quick outcome with a direct and often substantial economic return.

You shared with us a vision of tourism for Tasmania’s sake - a destination focussed on yield-over-volume, with a true commitment to sustainability and quality in everything we do.

NOT SELLING THE FARM Over the next couple of years, we will pursue ideas like these to restore our visitor economy, rebuild tourism demand and business confidence.

The Tasmanian economy will need tourism to again do the heavy lifting, creating jobs and investment across the State, as we recover from COVID. But in prioritising visitor growth to kick-start our tourism industry, we must not lose sight of what we stand for as an industry.

Our values, and the aspirations we share for our industry and our State.

10

A visitor destination where the locals still embrace tourism and welcome our visitors. Where, in turn, we as an industry skill-up local kids with the opportunity for meaningful careers, here, at home.

All the research is indicating many Australians are likely to want to travel with their own car over coming months. The driving holiday is in-vogue, increasing the BSPVES – and once again making it free to bring your car to Tasmania, makes perfect sense.

WINTER | 2020 | ISSUE 2

Image credit: Jarrad Seng

Where we show true global leadership in climate change, waste management, and environmentally responsible tourism.

That we be a tourism industry that fosters opportunity for Tasmania’s Aboriginal people to share their culture with visitors from across the globe. Creating economic opportunity for their communities while enhancing the

truth and depth of the Tasmanian visitor experience.

Despite the COVID Black Swan, this vision still bares true, and must guide our rebuild and recovery.

Luke Martin Chief Executive Officer

Tourism Industry Council Tasmanian

Over the next few months, we will not sell ourselves out, but continue to be clever, strategic, optimistic, and ambitious in realising Tasmania’s destiny as one of the world’s truly unique visitor destinations.

11

ACCREDITATION NEWS: NEW MODULES AND A NEW ACCREDITATION ADVISER IN THE SOUTH…

In addition to our existing sector accreditation modules Bike Friendly, Rainbow Tourism, EcoStar, Star Ratings and the newly released COVID19 Clean, Christine and Grace are pleased to announce additional units to bolster your accreditation… and the best bit is that they are currently available to accredited operators free of charge!

12

N

ow more than ever, TICT Accreditation Advisers Christine Pritchard and Grace Keath are here to assist and support accredited operators as you move into the recovery and reopening phase for your business.

In addition to our existing sector accreditation modules comprising Bike Friendly, Rainbow Tourism, EcoStar, Star Ratings and the newly released COVID19 Clean, Christine and Grace are pleased to announce additional units to bolster your accreditation… and the best bit is that they are currently available to accredited operators free of charge!

ONLINE MARKETING (DIGITAL DISTRIBUTION) This Online Marketing Program aims to improve the growth of tourism businesses, by assisting you to sell your product online and distribute your product both domestically and internationally. By undertaking this unit you will discover how to promote your product and reach millions of potential customers by making your online tools do the work for you!

Completing this unit will assist your business in improving your market capability direct to consumers, with the curriculum covering best practice guidance in website, social media and online booking capability. Upon completion you will receive a customised report/action plan

INTERNATIONAL MARKETING (EXPORT READY) This International Marketing Program aims to improve the growth of tourism businesses, by assisting you to identify appropriate markets, develop your product to meet target markets’ needs, sell product online and distribute product internationally. In turn, this will allow your business to discover how to expand your markets and increase revenue by targeting the international customer through traditional international marketing activities.

The process is designed to connect you (the supplier) to the wider tourism industry as part of a complete tourism trade marketing strategy (B2B), allowing you to reach interstate and international markets cost effectively.

Upon completion you will receive a customised report / action plan with suggested priority actions to ensure your business is ready to start working with traditional trade and receive more exposure and traction with potential customers.

COVID19 BUSINESS RECOVERY This is available to all operators who have completed Level 1 accreditation as a business development and training tool to develop their own unique back to business plan.

Since shut-down measures began, Christine and Grace have been reaching out to the TICT Community, assisting where possible and providing additional resources. As you can see from their profiles below, they both have extensive practical, hands on industry experience and are well placed to assist with all your accreditation and broader industry queries.

Christine has been with TICT for over two years and she works full time assisting operators in the North, North-West, West Coast and North-East Coasts, along with King and Flinders Islands. With a career spanning over 30 years in Tasmania’s tourism industry, she brings a wealth of experience when supporting operators to achieve Tourism Accreditation, Star Ratings and assisting with ReviewPro. Christine has worked in Business Development and Sales and Marketing for a number of national hotel chains and she is the founding secretary of the Launceston Tamar Valley Tourism Association, and has served on the committees of Skal Club of Launceston and Women

in Tourism and Hospitality Northern Branch.

Christine may be contacted at christine.pritchard@tict.com.au Grace Keath has just joined TICT… the day before shutdown measures were put in place, in fact! She grew up on Tassie’s East Coast, went to high school in Launceston and pursued a Bachelors Degree in International Hotel Management and Business at the Blue Mountains Hotel School in Leura, NSW. After nearly 15 years working in varied roles for a number of national and international chains in hotel operations across the country including locations in Melbourne, Queensland’s islands and Darwin she’s returned to Tassie to join the TICT team as an Industry Adviser in the South.

Grace most recently spent 12 months in the Whitsundays re-opening the Intercontinental Hayman Island Resort as the Operations Manager of the 350 room staff village after closure 3 years ago due to Cyclone Debbie. Grace is excited to be back in Tasmania and looks forward to meeting and working with Operators across the south when restrictions are eased.

Grace may be contacted via email grace.keath@tict.com.au

WINTER | 2020 | ISSUE 2

with suggested priority action points to improve your online marketing and receive more exposure and traction with potential customers.

13

COVID19 CLEAN PRACTICING BUSINESS

C

an my guests have a continental buffet breakfast? Do I have to disinfect seats in my tour vehicle?

How do I make sure my cleaning standards will be enough to combat COVID? These are all questions that have been asked of TICT Accreditation Advisers Christine Pritchard and Grace Keath over the last few weeks. As attention turns to recovery and reopening, it is understandable that many of our accredited operators have raised these concerns as we all begin to navigate our ‘new normal’ implementing specific health and hygiene measures to combat the spread of COVID-19.

In response to these industry concerns, The COVID19 Clean Practicing Business module has been developed by Quality Tourism Australia as part of the National Accreditation Framework. Designed to support tourism businesses and their customers in minimising

14

the spread of COVID-19, the module creates customised daily, weekly, monthly and annual cleaning checklists to assist businesses in their efforts to stop the spread of COVID-19 and to provide assurance to visitors that these steps are being taken. In addition, the module assists operators to identify hazards associated with COVID-19 and develop a risk register in response.

Operators undertaking the module will be asked to work through a series of preliminary questions to determine that appropriate processes are in place to support their efforts to practice specific COVID19 cleaning procedures. The information is then populated into an individualised COVID19 cleaning procedures document, providing an easily accessible set of guidelines for all staff to follow.

From reception to gym, vehicles to the kitchen, common areas, accommodation, shared equipment, cellar door, event spaces, attractions and everything in between, COVID19 Clean covers all bases to provide you with a tailored plan for your tourism operation.

We know that when industry reopens customers are going to want reassurance that tourism operators are doing everything they can to maintain the highest levels of cleanliness. FREE OF CHARGE and available to all accredited operators, COVID19 Clean is a great way to display you are complying with best practice cleaning

procedures and operators who successfully complete the module will receive signage and logos for display throughout their business and marketing collateral.

For further information contact: Christine Pritchard christine.pritchard@tict.com.au Grace Keath grace.keath@tict.com.au

Can my guests have a continental buffet breakfast? Do I have to disinfect seats in my tour vehicle?

We all know Tasmania is a special place but no matter how well travelled some of us may be within our island home, there’s always more we can explore, uncover and enjoy.

Our job, as Tasmania moves through the phases of recovery, is to encourage Tasmanians to get out safely and do just that.

John Fitzgerald CEO, Tourism Tasmania

WINTER | 2020 | ISSUE 2

SUPPORTING OUR INDUSTRY’S REBUILD THROUGH ENTICING TASMANIANS TO EXPLORE THEIR OWN BACKYARD

T

he tourism and hospitality industry has been impacted greatly by the controls that have been put in place to control the spread of COVID-19.

As restrictions ease, we are now challenged to ensure that the hard work we have all done has not been in vain.

The Premier has spoken about a phased recovery over the coming months. For this approach to work, we must all continue to do the right thing to reduce the risk of outbreaks.

This path will not be easy but there are signs of hope that we are on the way to recovery for our community and industry.

Tasmanians will soon be able to travel around the state and accommodation will be able to reopen.

Our hospitality businesses are already slowly increasing in the number of patrons they can serve.

15

Image credit: Luke Tscharke

Our traditional interstate and international markets are not available to us right now so encouraging Tasmanians to spend money and support our tourism and hospitality businesses has become one of Tourism Tasmania’s primary focuses.

Consumer attitudes to travel and non-essential activities have been impacted by the experiences of the past few months. Our research and insights tell us that safety will be key consideration for people.

So from mid-June, subject to public health advice, we’ll be launching: Tasmania – make yourself at home The Make Yourself at home campaign will remind Tasmanians of what makes 16

the state so special and encourage them to explore the state and take their holiday in Tasmania this year. It provides a call to action to enjoy our regions, destinations and experiences and take a well-deserved restorative break after these unprecedented times.

We know Tasmanians like to travel and the insights from data collected preCOVID show that Tasmanians travelled out of the state on around 273,000 trips with an average length of 10 nights during July to September 2019 alone. In the same period, Tasmanians undertook around 1.85 million day trips and around 339,000 overnight trips within the state. We are currently undertaking research with local company EMRS to understand the intrastate market in more

I truly believe Tourism Tasmania has a core responsibility to support our industry at every stage of recovery, even in the intrastate market which is normally not within our remit.

Our Government has supported us to do this and we remain committed to working with our regional tourism organisations to represent our regions and bring whatever support we can do you during this difficult time.

John Fitzgerald CEO, Tourism Tasmania

IF YOU ARE INTERESTED, THIS IS WHAT YOU CAN DO NOW TO PREPARE? 1. If you wish to reopen, you are required to comply with minimum standards of the COVID-19 Safe Workplaces Framework.

2. Seek assistance from the Business Tasmania hotline or the free Collins SBA service if you have questions around any COVID-19 financial assistance you are currently receiving.

3. Register your business on the Buy Something Tasmanian website, currently being developed to support the campaign and the tourism industry with enhanced functionality and campaign landing pages.

WINTER | 2020 | ISSUE 2

depth in a COVID-19 world, including attitudes to travel, size and expenditure intentions. We will share this when we have it.

We’re also working on a separate but complementary campaign to encourage Tasmanians to support our local pubs, restaurants, cafes and hospitality businesses, to support their local venues when they are able.

We understand that the intrastate market is not a full market opportunity for all businesses. Some of you may choose to reopen for this market, while others will not.

Image credit: Lusy Productions

4. Determine what you will offer the intrastate market (deals, special experiences, value-adds etc).

5. Select or prepare product image/s that reflect the current restrictions for use in your marketing activity 6. Many consumers will search for information online so ensure your business information and operating hours are up to date on Google for Business and on the ATDW which will update your listing on Discover Tasmania and other travel websites.

7. Information on a campaign conversion channel (website) will be confirmed shortly where you can register your details and any special offers.

8. Stay tuned to Tourism Talk for an industry toolkit and more information on how you can be involved in the campaign.

I will stress that our entry to market will be subject to public health advice and Tasmanian Government guidance. Until then, we’ll be communicating as much as possible about how you can prepare.

More information for operators about the campaign and how to prepare is available at www.tourismtasmania.com.au and subscribe to Tourism Talk for updates, further insights and an industry toolkit that will be available in the coming weeks.

17

TICT TASSIE TOURISM MASTERCLASS: LEARN FROM THE BEST AND BRIGHTEST IN OUR TOURISM NETWORK - ONLINE AND AT NO COST!

U

pskill through the winter months and learn from some of the best and brightest in our tourism network online and at no cost, with TICT Tassie Tourism Masterclass!

Commencing June 5 and running for 12 weeks over winter, the Tassie Tourism Masterclass is an interactive online learning program where tourism operators and professionals across Tasmania can access insights and advice from our leading tourism consultants and gurus on the fundamentals of good Tassie tourism. Each week will feature a new relevant and practical module focussed on the essentials of running a strong and resilient Tassie tourism business.

The Masterclass presenters bring with them a wealth of knowledge for you to tap into, and include Dr Allison

18

Anderson – Manager Research & Insights at Tourism Tasmania, Rob Cameron – Business Adviser Collins SBA, David Inches – Principal Consultant at Inspired by Marketing, TICT Deputy Chair Kath McCann, and many more. With topics covering everything from markets to marketing, HR to sustainability, business planning to resilience; you can proceed through the entire 12 week business accelerator course, or just pick and choose the bits that interest you most.

Suitable for all owner/operators and larger businesses with managers/supervisors, the online component will be supported by a workbook to cement learnings that may be shared with colleagues.

The workbooks will include information from the recorded presentation as well as the Quality Tourism Framework accreditation program.

Participants also have the

option to complete a basic ‘Business Action Plan’ – a series of short questions and test solutions for how they will apply that week’s learnings into their own business to submit to that week’s expert for review and short feedback.

Free to participate and open to all industry stakeholders, head to www.tict.com.au to review the full program and register.

THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS AN INITIATIVE OF

MA JOR PARTNERS

TICT PARTNERS SUPPORTING TASMANIA’S TOURISM & HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY WINTER | 2020 | ISSUE 2

E VENT PARTNERS

Tourism Tasmania

Business Events

AWARD PARTNERS

19

Level 5, 29 Elizabeth Street Hobart TAS 7000 (03) 6231 2244 info@tict.com.au www.tict.com.au 20