TAKINGTASMANIATOTHEWORLD SelingOurWorldClasTourism

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1 TAKINGTASMANIATOTHEWORLD SelingOurWorldClasTourism TASMANIA. CREATEOUR OWNFUTURE ATASMANIANGRENS POLICYINITIATIVE LaunchedbyNickMcKimMP March2014 AuthorisedbyNickMcKimMP,ParliamentHouse,Hobart

2 > YOUR TEAM IN STATE PARLIAMENT > WANT MORE INFO? State Parliamentary Offices of the Tasmanian Greens Level 1, 162 Macquarie Street, Hobart, 7000 Postal Address: Parliament House, Hobart, 7000 Phone: (03) Fax: (03) Web: mps.tas.greens.org.au Tasmanian Greens Policy Initiative: Taking Tasmania to the World Issued on 7 March 2014 Authorised by Nick McKim MP, Parliament House, Hobart

3 Taking Tasmania to the World Making our visitors Tasmania s future ambassadors The Tasmanian Greens will invest in our local tourism sector being positioned to provide the world-class experience we know we can offer interstate and international visitors. Tasmania has world class natural, historic and cultural attractions that are the envy of the world, and are key drivers of jobs and economic prosperity. The Greens will invest in ensuring we have a world-class sustainable tourism industry, positioned to provide interstate and international visitors a world-class experience. > OUR PLAN The Greens will invest $15, 500, 000 over the forward estimates in promoting and building capacity in Tasmania s tourism sector. Our investment includes: Introducing Wild Tasmania: a Tasmanian World Heritage Promotion Centre - $2 million over the forward estimates. Marketing Tasmania to the World - $10 million over the forward estimates. Statewide amenities improvement program - $1 million fund. Free Wi-Fi - $1 million over the forward estimates to continue the state-wide roll out. Accreditation assistance - $500, 000 over the forward estimates. Events and Regional support - $500, 000 over the forward estimates. > DELIVERING OUR POLICY Tourism, in all its forms, is a key driver of Tasmania s new economy, with over 35, 000 Tasmanians reliant on the economic activity tourism generates. We need to ensure that those seeking to visit to enjoy wilderness, wild coasts, adventure tourism, photographic opportunities, cultural and heritage experiences, fine food, wine and local produce, have such a strong, welcoming and memorable experience that they become informal ambassadors for Tasmania spruiking our island as the destination place to go. > Introducing Wild Tasmania Currently there is no central Tasmanian Centre promoting and providing information on Tasmania s World Heritage Areas and National Parks including walks, tours and other tourism opportunities. There is great potential for an innovative interpretation centre for all of Tasmania s protected areas. The Greens will provide seed funding for Introducing Wild Tasmania: A Tasmanian World Heritage Promotion Centre to be a Hobart gateway, promotion and information centre. The proposed Introducing Wild Tasmania Centre will: Promote Tasmania s natural areas; Provide innovative and current tourist information; Provide interactive and virtual experiences for the timepoor or otherwise unable to venture into the parks physically; Provide hub support for regional exhibition and interpretation centres; Provide a world-class interpretation and exhibition centre for the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area; Provide access to current information and research on endangered species; and Offer research and teaching on the management of natural areas and the relationship between our communities and nature. It is proposed that this would be a joint initiative with collaboration between the private and public sectors, including state government, Hobart City Council, the University of Tasmania and the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery. The Greens propose a $2 million contribution from the state government to incentivise private sector contributions for project development, planning processes and project completion. Tasmanian Greens Policy Initiative: Taking Tasmania to the World Issued on 7 March 2014 Authorised by Nick McKim MP, Parliament House, Hobart Page 1 of 3

4 > Marketing Tasmania to the World The world is awakening to the amazing tourism, wild adventure and recreational down-time destination that is Tasmania. We are seeing our coasts and beaches, wild forests, cultural activities and cities lauded by international outlets including CNN and Lonely Planet. These discoveries of our wonderful state do not need to be accidental. The Greens will invest an extra $10 million over the forward estimates to market Tasmania to the world in a targeted manner, in consultation with industry and other stakeholders. > Free Wi-Fi on the Run Connectivity is a vital aspect for locals and visitors alike. Free Wi-Fi access encourages: Opportunistic stops off the beaten track by last minute research in transit by backpackers, and self guided tourists. Flexible check in and bookings. Promotion on social media and on-line journals Updating families and friends in real-time about travelling experiences enhances the travelling experience and reassurance about safety. The Greens will invest $1 million over the forward estimates into continuing the roll out of free wi-fi statewide. > Accreditation Assistance The Greens support the local and cottage tourism businesses that drive this sector, and acknowledge that this local immediate interaction with national and international visitors has resulted in the state s high reputation as a desirable destination. We will continue to invest in small tourism businesses being able to achieve accreditation for delivery of thigh quality standards and customer service The Greens will invest $500, 000 over the forward estimates in Accreditation assistance. This will fund the employment of a dedicated accreditation officer to assist tourism businesses meet accreditation standards. This could involve providing constructive and honest feedback about the presentation of food, front-of-house customer service, or quality of linens and comfort of furniture. > Events and Regional support The Greens will invest $500, 000 into a competitive grants scheme to provide assistance in establishing and promoting events throughout the state, especially in supporting regional tourism and regional events. > Statewide amenities improvement program This $1 million fund will provide a competitive grants program for local councils and regional authorities to apply for a grant to assist in updating, modernising and improving local amenities, including public toilets. For guided tours and the self guided tourist, knowing that there will be a clean, safe and accessible pit-stop can make all the difference whether they will make a return visit to the town, and whether they provide favourable reviews of their experience to family and friends all of whom could be potential visitors. Tasmanian Greens Policy Initiative: Taking Tasmania to the World Issued on 7 March 2014 Authorised by Nick McKim MP, Parliament House, Hobart Page 2 of 3

5 Tasmania has world class natural, historic and cultural attractions that are the envy of the world, and are key drivers of jobs and economic prosperity. The Greens vision is to continue to grow a world-class sustainable tourism industry, positioned to provide interstate and international visitors a world-class experience. Nick McKim MP, Greens Leader > TABLE 1: Taking Tasmania to the World Investment Forward Forward Forward Budget Estimate Estimate Estimate $ 000 $ 000 $ 000 $ 000. Introducing Wild Tasmania: a Tasmanian World Heritage Promotion Centre - 1, Marketing Tasmania to the World - 4, 000 3, 000 3, 000 Free Wi-Fi roll-out continuation Accreditation Assistance Events and Regional Support Grants Program Statewide Amenities Improvement Grants Program Tasmanian Greens Policy Initiative: Taking Tasmania to the World Issued on 7 March 2014 Authorised by Nick McKim MP, Parliament House, Hobart Page 3 of 3