The Minister for Tourism, the Hon Martin Ferguson AM MP, today congratulated the Tasmanian industry for its dedication to accreditation and its willingness to think long-term.
Speaking to the Tourism Industry Council Tasmania, Minister Ferguson said: "The past year hasn't been easy, however the Tasmanian industry has shown it's not afraid to make the long-term decisions required to help establish a solid footing for the future. Accreditation is a perfect example of this dedication.
"In Opposition, I championed accreditation for tourism providers and as Minister for Tourism, I am making it happen.
"In April I established a Joint Working Group of industry and government representatives to examine accreditation issues. The Working Group will create an accreditation framework which is visible, credible, useful, accessible, inclusive and sustainable.
"Accreditation will deliver better experiences to customers and businesses, as Tasmanian tourism operators well know. Of the 3000 business accredited across Australia, around 1000 are Tasmanian, a remarkable illustration of their dedication to excellence."
According to the latest visitor surveys from Tourism Research Australia, the total visitor expenditure in Tasmania increased 4.6 per cent to $2.3 billion.
Minister Ferguson also outlined other initiatives the Government will deliver for the tourism industry in the next 18 months, notably the development of the National Long-Term Tourism Strategy.
"I will soon announce the membership of the Steering Committee for the Strategy, which draws together a broad knowledge of business and tourism. Committee members have a track record of achievement, energy, enthusiasm and creativity and they will deliver a Strategy that looks beyond the next election and beyond the horizon. The Strategy will focus on the supply side of the industry to ensure the industry develops the productive capacity to respond to market challenges.
"The Strategy will provide the footing for the industry to meet the challenges of the future such as labour and infrastructure constraints, climate change and investment. This will not only benefit the industry in Tasmania, but ensure the Australian industry has the capacity and resilience to meet the challenges of the future."
Media contact: Michael Bradley – 0420 371 744