Press Release

Thursday 22 November 2007

TASMANIA MUST BE READY FOR OVERSEAS VISITORS
The Minister for Tourism, Arts and the Environment, Paula Wriedt, has warned that Tasmania’s tourism operators may miss out on significant growth unless they expand their horizons and embrace the international visitor market.
Ms Wriedt, said at the current rate of growth, the international visitor market is likely to account for as much as 20 per cent of all visitors to Tasmania in just five years.

“Tasmania has the potential to be one of the world’s most prominent tourist destinations in a highly competitive market,” Ms Wriedt said.

“The question Tasmania tourism operators needed to be asking themselves is, am I ready to capitalise on this opportunity?

“Growing the number of international visitors to Tasmania must be a major focus of our tourism operators.
“To help new operators to think globally, Tourism Tasmania has organised a 2-day international tourism symposium on 27th and 28th November.

“Carefully chosen keynote speakers will provide insights about how to further develop the knowledge and skills of those who are already involved in international marketing.

“The inaugural international tourism symposium will provide advice for operators currently working in traditional and emerging markets, and also for those in the wider industry who may be interested in learning how to expand from the domestic into the international markets.

“The two-day event will also feature training and planning sessions to help operators understand the sorts of resources that will enable them to work with overseas markets.

“The key to success for Tasmania lies in the consistent quality and delivery of our tourism services and experiences, and the ability to clearly differentiate these from the rest of Australia.

“It’s also important to ensure we have the capacity to meet rapidly changing market demands, including any breakthroughs that might be made into emerging markets like China and India.”

Keynote speakers include Tourism Australia’s Executive General Manager Marketing Nick Baker, the Australian Tourism Export Council’s Deputy Managing Director Gary O’Riordon, Graziella Caruso from inbound tour operator Goway travel, and the Managing Director of inbound tour operator Encounter Australia.

Tourism Tasmania’s international marketing and public relations managers will also be there to provide the latest in market advice.

The International Symposium will be held at the Old Woolstore in Hobart on 27 and 28 November. For more information visit www.tourismtasmania.com.au/tasind/intsymposium/

For further information contact Tourism Tasmania's Communications Unit

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