Press Release

 

28 November 2008

Awards Celebrate Tasmania's Tourism Excellence

The Tasmanian tourism industry’s high achievers have been honoured at a gala dinner and awards ceremony in Hobart tonight.

Speaking at the 2008 Tasmanian Tourism Awards hosted by the Tourism Industry Council of Tasmania (TICT), the Minister for Tourism, Michelle O’Byrne, said the evening was an opportunity to recognise and celebrate excellence in tourism throughout Tasmania.

“Tasmania’s tourism industry had achieved a great deal in the past 12 months,” Ms O’Byrne said.

“We have seen the continued growth of visitor numbers to Tasmania and had national and international accolades bestowed on the State as recognition of the quality visitor experiences on offer.

“Last financial year, almost 850,000 people visited our State, an increase of three per cent, and these visitors put $1.3 billion into the Tasmanian economy.

“It is the excellence that the industry has achieved and continues to strive for that will see Tasmania’s tourism industry continue to weather the challenges of the global economy.

“By delivering inspiring, engaging and unforgettable experiences, the tourism industry gives visitors a reason to travel here – and the incentive to keep coming back.

“The State Government, through Tourism Tasmania, is committed to supporting and fostering excellence in tourism, and to innovatively marketing Tasmania as a must-visit destination.

“Since 2006, we have invested an additional $3 million every year to market Tasmania to the rest of the world as part of a four-year $12 million commitment.

“This is on top of the State Government’s two-year $16 million Tourism Promotion Plan to ensure the continued growth of our tourism industry.”

Ms O’Byrne presented the first two awards of the evening, which were followed by awards recognising tourism business excellence across 27 categories.

The recipient of the Minister’s Young Achiever Award was Clint Walker, Manager of Stanely Seaview Inn.
“As an active board member of the Circular Head Tourism Association and most recently as a member of the North-West Zone Marketing Group, Mr Walker has demonstrated his passion and commitment to tourism on the State’s north-west coast,” Ms O’Byrne said.

The Minister’s Award for Outstanding Contribution to Tourism was presented to Karen Rees, Deputy Director – Marketing and Product Development, Premier Travel.

Ms O’Byrne said Ms Rees is a dynamic tourism business entrepreneur who co-founded Naturally Tasmania Tours with her mother in 1996.

“Ms Rees’ entrepreneurial vision and dedication is widely acknowledged as being pivotal in pioneering the German-speaking visitor market in Tasmania”

“She also found time to establish a successful online self-drive holiday business.

“In addition to sitting on the board of a number of key tourism industry bodies, Ms Rees is also a selfless mentor to many people in the tourism industry.”

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