Press Release

 

5 September 2008

Helping People Discover Tasmania

The Acting Minister for Tourism, Michelle O’Byrne, today announced that 180,000 copies of the latest edition of Tourism Tasmania’s Discover Tasmania book will be distributed to about 4000 travel agents nationally and in New Zealand over next two weeks.

Ms O’Byrne said this was the second edition of the new look Discover Tasmania guide, and featured 307 Tasmanian tourism operators.

“The new format is a merger between the Tasmania Holiday Planner, and Tasmania’s Temptations Holidays’ Holiday Book.

“It is the key publication used by retail travel agents in Australia and New Zealand when selling Tasmanian holidays,” Ms. O’Byrne said.

The Discover Tasmania book will also be showcased at a series of road shows, over four weeks, in five states.

During the road shows, travel agents will receive training on how to use the book, as well as product updates; and learn about new tourist experiences which have been added to the wholesale program.

“These road shows are completely ‘Tasmania-centric’ and also feature fine Tasmanian wine and cheese to further tempt travel agents and therefore, their customers,” Ms O’Byrne said.

The book is now segmented by five new marketing zones, which were announced in July.

“The zones were developed to help showcase the specific areas, attractions, and products that make up the unique Tasmanian experience.”

This year there is also a larger range of visitor experiences from both Flinders and King Islands in the publication.

“Last year, just one Flinders Island operator took out advertising in the new Discover Tasmania publication. I’m pleased to say that this year nine operators from the Island are included,” Ms O’Byrne said.

Advertisers are also supported by Tourism Tasmania’s Business Development Advisers - experts on Tasmania and its various tourism experiences, who work directly with travel agents nationwide to encourage more visitors to Tasmania.

“I congratulate Tourism Tasmania staff for producing a book that truly makes it easier for travel agents to sell Tasmania as an outstanding holiday destination,” Ms O’Byrne said.

Further information: Rohan Wade (03) 6336 2443 or 0417 051 255