Press Release

 

29 November 2008

TVIN Visitor Experience Assistance Program Grants

Seventeen Tasmanian Visitor Information Centres will share in more than $600,000 of funding as part of the 2008-2009 Tasmanian Visitor Information Network Visitor Experience Assistance Program, the Minister for Tourism, Michelle O’Byrne, announced today.

Ms O’Byrne said the grants would have benefits for visitor services right across the State.

“The State Government is committed to growing our tourism industry, and the TVIN Visitor Experience Assistance Program aims to enhance state-wide visitor services by supporting business expansion and development, innovation and improvements existing services and facilities.”

A total of $609,391 worth of grants has been awarded to TVIN members across three separate categories.

Ms O’Byrne acknowledged the important role the Tasmanian Visitor Information Network plays in building exceptional holiday experiences for visitors to Tasmania.

“As a key on-the-ground distributor, the Tasmanian Visitor Information Network allows our visitors to access local and state-wide information, tourist experiences and booking services that are tailored to their individual interests, through high quality face-to-face interaction.”

“The TVIN Visitor Experience Assistance Program supports the continual improvement of visitor services across the State, and ensures visitors have ready access to the very best Tasmania has to offer.

“The grant funds will be used to improve areas such as online booking capabilities, technology and hardware upgrades, business development, service excellence, relationship management and research.

“Because many visitors seek more information when they arrive at their destination, the role of the TVIN is critical in the delivery of visitor experiences.

“Overall this program helps to improve visitor experiences throughout Tasmania and generate economic benefits to the tourism industry and the wider community.

Details of the programs and successful applicants follow:

Program 1:  Strategic Visitor Servicing Projects Grants up to $150,000

Hobart – Improvements in business sustainability $150,000.

Devonport – Building business sustainability $130,000.

Launceston – Grant supports existing contractual arrangements $127,000.

Program 2:  Regional Visitor Servicing Projects Grants of $50,000

Hobart on behalf of all southern Centres for $50,000.

Exeter on behalf of Launceston City, Exeter, Georgetown, Scottsdale, Ross, St.Helens and Deloraine for $50,000.

West Coast Visitor Information Centre on behalf of Devonport, Ulverstone, Burnie, Wynyard, Stanley, West Coast and Sheffield for $50,000.

Program 3:  Individual Centre Visitor Servicing Projects Grants $2,000 to $5,000

Kettering – Computer hardware upgrade $5000.

Burnie – Marketing and Information display $5000.

Oatlands – Regional promotions strategy $2125.

Georgetown – Business development and service standards project $5000.

Sheffield – Business development project $5000.

Port Arthur – Development of map and build of new customer service area $5000.

Ross – Technology upgrade $5000.

St.Helens and Triabunna - Joint pilot program $5000.

Wynyard – acquisition of booking system $5,000.

Strahan – Visitor Centre makeover $5000.

Exeter – Installation of storage system $5000.

Further information: Matthew Sullivan 0407 816 462