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Aerial view of a sandy cove and granite boulders at The Gardens, larapuna / Bay of Fires area, Tasmania's East Coast

The Gardens, Bay of Fires

Tourism Australia

GETTING STARTED

Whether you're exploring the idea of starting a tourism business, you've recently launched one, or you're new to working with us, this is the place to begin.

Tasmania's visitor economy is valued at $3.7 billion annually and supports one in six jobs across the state. It's an industry built on the things that make this place what it is: wild landscapes, local food and drink, a thriving arts scene, warm communities, and one of the world's oldest cultures. There's genuine opportunity here, and we want to help you make the most of it.

Tourism Tasmania's role is to create demand for travel to the state. We do that through marketing, research, brand management and industry partnerships. But our work only lands when operators across Tasmania are ready to meet that demand with experiences visitors will talk about long after they leave.

That's where you come in.

The pages in this section are designed to give you a solid grounding in how Tasmania's tourism industry works, where the opportunities sit, and how to turn a good idea into a viable business.

Coastal view through hillside grass toward distant headlands at Table Cape, Wynyard on Tasmania's North West Coast
Understanding Tasmania's tourism industry

Get to know the industry you're entering. The economic contribution of tourism, who visits Tasmania and why, visitor behaviours and expectations, the key organisations that support operators, and how the visitor economy is structured.

Sunlight breaking through clouds over Bathurst Harbour and surrounding mountains, Southwest National Park Tasmania
Research your opportunity

A good tourism business starts with good research. Dig into visitor data, regional patterns, seasonal trends and sector opportunities to understand where the demand sits and how your business idea fits.

Hand drawn boat plans at the Wooden Boat Centre Tasmania, Franklin in the Huon Valley
Planning your business

You've done the groundwork. Now it's time to put a plan around it. Find practical resources for business planning, financial setup, insurance and establishing a new tourism operation in Tasmania.

A distiller drawing whisky from a barrel at Killara Distillery, Richmond
Quality and accreditation

Accreditation provides industry recognition that enhances trust and credibility among visitors to Tasmania and there are a range of programs available to help you demonstrate your commitment to excellence.

Explore the data on our domestic and international markets

Our Research & Insights team shares the latest visitor data, market insights and emerging trends. Use it to inform your planning from day one.

Thinking of working with travel distributors?

Find out how working with trade can open up new avenues that your business can access.

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Sources

All data sourced from the Tasmanian Visitor Survey YE Dec 2025