Campaign Team to Help Tasmanian Tourism Recovery

A campaign team involving Tourism Tasmania and industry leaders has been formed to determine the shape of post-bushfire marketing campaigns designed to let people know Tasmania is still open for business. Tourism Minister, Scott Bacon, said a recent meeting had made progress in determining how best to market the state and encourage people to support areas affected by the fires.

"This is an important time for the state's tourism industry, and it's essential visitors are aware they can still come to our state and enjoy our wilderness, our heritage, our fine food and wine and our arts and cultural experiences," he said.
"Yesterday, representatives of Tourism Tasmania met with members of the Tourism Industry Council of Tasmania, Regional Tourism Organisations, the visitor information network, the Parks and Wildlife Service and management of Port Arthur to discuss plans for the post-bushfire marketing program.

"One of the clear messages from this meeting was that many members of the tourism industry remain confident about their future, despite the fires."

Mr Bacon said the campaign team would involve members of Tourism Tasmania, the TICT, Regional Tourism Organisations and visitor information centres.

"This team will be working to get these proposals underway as quickly as possible," he said.
"Ultimately, we want to see a range of local and interstate campaigns that attract visitors to our state, get them to support businesses in those areas affected by the fires, and ensure the industry can continue to have confidence in their future.

"This will be on top of Tourism Tasmania's ongoing marketing, and will involve direct marketing, localised events and activities identified by the Regional Tourism Organisations, and a high profile local media campaign involving television, print and radio."

Mr Bacon thanked all participants for their work to date, and their ongoing efforts in supporting tourism operators around the state, including those affected by the fires.

Source: Accommodation Association of Australia, 15 January 2013