Tasmania’s tourism, hospitality and events sector are a key driver of the state’s economy, a major job creator and an important contributor to the strength of Tasmania’s brand.
Labor Leader Rebecca White today unveiled Labor’s Tourism, Hospitality and Events Package with a focus on supporting increased visitation to the state, improving infrastructure in Parks and keeping small businesses strong.
“Labor has already announced a substantial package of initiatives in our fully costed Jobs Plan that will support our tourism, hospitality and events sector,” Ms White said.
“We will add to this with an additional $18 million in funding to Tourism Tasmania to continue their excellent destination marketing campaigns and we will back the visitor economy with a massive $40 million program to fund infrastructure upgrades at some of Tasmania’s most iconic Park destinations and regional sites, including Maria Island, Mt Field National Park, Flinders Island Camping Facilities Upgrade, Reimagining Hastings Caves Master Plan Development and Walls of Jerusalem.”
Ms White said Tasmania had the advantage of owning the two Spirit of Tasmania vessels and a majority Labor Government will ensure they are working for Tasmanians to maximize the benefit to the state.
“Labor will lobby the Federal Government to extend the subsidy for free car travel on the Spirit of Tasmania beyond June 30 to make sure visitors continue to travel to our state throughout winter.
“Given the shortage of hire cars in the state we need to do everything we can to get people travelling to Tasmania with their own vehicle.
“This is why a Labor Government will direct the TT Line Board to increase the number of day sailings over winter and spring by 30 to support regional tourism destinations that are more heavily reliant on drive tourism.
“Labor will also support our hospitality businesses with an $8 million package that will continue the important work of the Great Customer Experience Program and Clubs Tasmania, ensuring there is appropriate mental health support and resources provided to the sector.
“Labor has led the debate on workforce development and TAFE training and have identified tourism and hospitality as two key areas in our economy experiencing skills shortages. Therefore, under a majority Labor Government both the tourism and hospitality sector will benefit from Labor’s free TAFE policy.
“We understand the necessity to provide a pathway into work for Tasmanians who want a career in the tourism sector and this is why Labor has a plan to rebuild TAFE. We will rebuild TAFE from the ground up and restore the reputation of Drysdale to give people the best possible chance to get a foot in the door to a job and support growth across the tourism and hospitality sector.
“A majority Labor Government will support the aspiration for Tasmania to become a carbon neutral tourism destination by 2025 and we will continue to support the important cultural events that make Tasmania so iconic as a visitor destination.
“Labor is working for Tasmanians to deliver better tourism outcomes and real economic growth.”
Rebecca White MP
Labor Leader
