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A walker on a lichen covered granite boulder overlooking Fotheringate Bay, Strzelecki National Park, Flinders Island, Tasmania

Fotheringate Bay, Flinders Island

Luke Tscharke

Building foundations

You've done the research and you know there's an opportunity. Now it's time to get the foundations right.

Starting a tourism business in Tasmania involves more than a good idea. There are registrations to sort, permits to understand, insurance to arrange and practical tools to get across before you open your doors. It can feel like a lot, but you don't have to figure it all out on your own.

This section walks you through the essentials of setting up a new tourism operation, from the business tools and digital resources you'll need day to day, to getting your business listed where visitors can actually find it. We've pulled together practical guidance and pointed you to the right people and organisations along the way.

A walker in a hat surrounded by Fagus, Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park, Tasmania
Essential business tools

From business planning resources and digital setup to online booking systems, risk management and road signage, find the practical tools, templates and resources you need to get your tourism business up and running.

A person standing on lichen covered granite boulders at The Gulch, Binalong Bay, larapuna / Bay of Fires area
Get listed on ATDW

The Australian Tourism Data Warehouse is Australia's largest digital platform for the tourism industry. Create a free profile and your business appears on hundreds of websites. It's one of the most effective things you can do early on.

Government House heritage building with circular hedge garden and fountain in the foreground, Hobart, Tasmania
Funding support

There are a range of grant opportunities available for the tourism industry that become available at different times.

Talk to your RTO

Your regional tourism organisation is a valuable support network as you set up who can help with local queries, connect you with other operators and point you to resources in your area.
Marketing our regions

Already up and running?

If you've got the basics sorted and you're ready to grow your reach, explore Growing Your Reach for guidance on distribution channels, social media and getting your business in front of more visitors.
Growing your reach