Thursday 9 August 2007

TAMAR TOURISM MONITORING STRATEGY ANNOUNCED
The Tasmanian Government has met with tourism operators from the Launceston and Tamar Valley region to outline a new tourism monitoring strategy, should the proposed pulp mill be approved.

The Minister for Tourism, Arts and the Environment, Paula Wriedt, and the Minister for Infrastructure, Jim Cox, today met with more than 40 operators to explain how tourist outcomes in the region will be closely watched should the pulp mill go ahead.

“It’s great to have the chance to meet with operators to outline the range of new measures that my Department will introduce to monitor environmental, brand and tourism performance, should the mill be approved,” Ms Wriedt said.

“These measures have been developed in response to the concerns raised by tourism operators during last month’s forum, and through the recent Tourism Industry Council survey.”

Measures put in place would include:

• a program of monitoring visitors and their experiences and perceptions;
• monitoring the health of the Tasmanian brand domestically and overseas;
• monitoring and developing relevant communication strategies for visitors in collaboration with the local industry; and, if necessary
• introducing mitigation strategies for specific issues identified through the various monitoring programs.

Ms Wriedt also informed the operators that one of the key measures would be the introduction of legislation in the spring session to establish an Environmental Protection Authority.

“If passed by Parliament, the new Authority would be in place by the time the proposed mill commenced operations,” Ms Wriedt said.

For further information contact Tourism Tasmania's Communications Unit

(03) 6230 8244
email mediainfo@tourism.tas.gov.au