Tourism Talk - Industry Newsletter

Issue 284 - 5 January 2010

TQUAL Grants Announced

Federal Tourism Minister, Martin Ferguson, has announced the successful recipients of the TQUAL grant funding round. 

TQUAL Grants, formerly known as the Australian Tourism Development Program, aim to stimulate sustainable growth in the Australian tourism industry

Tasmanian applicants successful under the grant scheme include Flinders Council for a nature based tourism investment feasibility study, Hobart City Council for a feasibility study to determine possible management models for a new Maritime Heritage Centre and precinct at the Battery Point slip yards site in Hobart, and Cradle Coast Authority for the development of a network of new and engaging tourism experiences along the West Coast of Tasmania.

Automatic News Updates Online - RSS

Visitors to Tourism Tasmania’s corporate website can now receive free automatic updates on tourism news and Tasmanian Government media releases.

The addition of RSS or ‘Really Simple Syndication’ web feeds to the Latest News and Media Releases sections of the website means that subscribers to the feeds have all the latest tourism news automatically delivered to their computer the moment it's published on the website.

To find out more about RSS, look for the RSS icon on the Tourism Tasmania website homepage and follow the link to http://www.tourismtasmania.com.au/news/rss

Tourism Grants Support New Visitor Experiences

Launceston’s Cataract Gorge has a new self-guided discovery experience and the North West Coast has a new food trail experience as a result of financial support provided under the Tourism Promotion Plan grant program.

The Tasmanian Government established the $16 million Tourism Promotion Plan (TPP) in 2006 to help industry operators and associations undertake projects that grow tourism in their regions.

Under the program, Launceston’s Cataract Gorge undertook extensive visitor interpretation work that complements upgrades to facilities and infrastructure jointly funded by the Federal Government and the Launceston City Council.

Improvements include the installation and refurbishment of interpretive signage and contemplation seats that allow visitors to sit and enjoy the Gorge environs.

The TPP grant also developed a guided walks program for the Gorge, a manual to train and equip volunteer guides working in the Reserve and a Discovery Pack comprising a booklet, children’s word puzzle, badges, card games and postcards.

And on the North West Coast the redevelopment and expansion of visitor facilities at Latrobe’s Cherry Shed offers a new food trail experience for visitors.

TPP funding helped Cherry Shed owners, Paul and Tina Badcock, expand the tourism potential of their cherry business and grow it from a small, season offering into a larger, multi-faceted visitor attraction open all year round.

Additions include a tasting centre, a cafe seating up to 100 people, a commercial kitchen, outdoor dining, a visitor information centre and car parking with improved access for coaches.

New Information and Travel Service at Launceston Airport

Launceston City Council has established a new visitor information and booking service at Launceston Airport.

The new Airport Visitor Gateway Service is managed by Council’s Launceston Travel and Information Centre staff and is open seven days a week.

The new booking centre gives visitors entering the region the opportunity to book their travel products and experiences prior to leaving the airport.

The service is expected to reach at least 225,000 leisure visitors and the more than 500,000 Tasmanians who use the airport each year.

The Airport Gateway Service is part of a suite of Launceston City Council initiatives that include a new online booking system and improved web presence, an upgrade of visitor signage throughout the city and a Free Tiger Bus servicing the central city.

Boutique Dining Adds to Bruny Wilderness Experience

The operators of Bruny Wildlife Adventure have teamed up with local Bruny Island producers to enhance their experience for guests.

The wildlife expedition now includes a food lover’s tour of the island, indulging in a platter of fresh regional produce for lunch and served at a restaurant with sweeping panoramic views of Adventure Bay.

Guests sample produce that includes mouth-watering Bruny Island artisan cheeses, the acclaimed Island Produce fudge as well as the renowned 'Get Shucked' Bruny Island oysters.

The Bruny Wildlife Adventure is an award-winning wilderness expedition that takes visitors to see the creatures that live along Bruny Island’s coastline.

TigerTOUR Update

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Tourism Tasmania’s Product Consultants can help you update your business details. For more information email TigerTOUR@tourism.tas.gov.au or phone: (03) 6230 8229.

Coming Events

MONA FOMA
8 - 24 January
Performance, Art and Creativity
Hobart

Festivale Launceston
Al fresco food, wine and entertainment
12 - 14 February
Launceston

Hobart International Tennis
8 - 16 January
Hobart

See all events