The next state government needs to commit greater support and funding for regional events to attract tourists into the North, Tourism Northern Tasmania says.
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TNT chief executive Chris Griffin said the organisation had outlined a number of priorities to both Labor and Liberals, with an emphasis on developing more regional events to keep tourists in the North for longer.
“There are a number of opportunities that we’d would like to see announcements on or in addition or relation,” Mr Griffin said, noting the organisation was “pretty happy” with the current tourism strategy.
“Cycle tourism is obviously quite high on agenda [and] we're looking for attracting more regional events to regional Tasmania.”
Mr Griffin said committed support for the development of the Beauty Point foreshore for cruise ship infrastructure, a night time experience in the Cataract Gorge, and support for Mona Foma to relocate to Launceston were all key areas presented to the parties.
Labor has endorsed the full list of tourism infrastructure goals from the Tourism Industry Council’s 2017 Future-Proofing Our Icons report, including a commitment to developing the Cataract Gorge into a night attraction.
The Liberals also promised a $4 million event attraction fund to secure regional, quality, cost-effective events.
Likewise, Labor proposed a $1 million small events grant program over four years to support smaller regional events to grow, with a $20,000 cap per event.
“What’s absolutely critical is more motivation for people to explore regional Tasmania,” Mr Griffin said.
