Press Release

 

8 October 2008

Sustainability the Key to a Robust Tourism Industry

Minister for Tourism Michelle O’Byrne said today environmental and social sustainability were keys to a robust tourism industry in Tasmania.

Ms O’Byrne acknowledged the need for Tasmania’s tourism industry to keep pace with changing consumer sentiment about sustainability when officially opening a seminar on sustainable tourism in Launceston.

The Qantas Sustainable Tourism Seminar – one of a series of nine being held around Australia – is part of an education campaign for the airline’s Awards for Excellence in Sustainable Tourism.

Ms O’Byrne said there was enormous potential for Tasmania’s tourism industry to achieve strong economic returns off the back of the growing consumer desire to create a sustainable footprint.

“Across all levels of industry, consumers are seeking to make informed decisions about the impact they are having on our world,” Ms O’Byrne said.

“Increasingly, travellers want to feel good about their travel and leisure time – confident they are experiencing the best of our State without having a negative impact on Tasmania’s unique environment, our communities and brand.”

“As an industry, tourism needs to respond to this demand and work strategically to develop products, events and services that embrace this consumer sentiment, drive our competitive advantage and exceed our visitors’ expectations.”

“As a Government we are committed to supporting Tasmania’s tourism industry in achieving these goals and ensuring visitor experiences live up to expectations.”

Ms O’Byrne said the seminars were directed at a wide cross-section of the tourism fraternity including tourism operators, state tourism offices, regional tourism bodies, Tourism Australia, local government, wholesalers and inbound tourism operators.

“Tourism in Tasmania already boasts some outstanding examples of sustainable tourism operators – business people who have successfully combined social, environmental and financial sustainability into their tourism operations.”

“Today, these businesses are achieving greater national and international recognition,” Ms O’Byrne said.

Further information: Matthew Sullivan 0407 816 462