A combination of industry stakeholders working hard and demonstrating innovation, visits from dignitaries such as the Chinese President and British Royal, and national and international peak bodies identifying Tasmania as the place to hold their events have all helped build this momentum.

An ongoing local government survey conducted by The Examiner ahead of the October poll, showed tourism as the number one issue that would influence voters.

It is a surprising number one, considering hot-button topics such as building heights, parking and the University of Tasmania campus are also among those in contention.

Tourism has fast become one of the state’s most important industries but the caveat has always been there, to not put all our eggs in one basket. An unexpected growth area has been the short stay economy, and the impact Airbnb and the like has had on not only Launceston, but the state.

The state government has always been supportive of the sharing economy and since coming to government have welcomed Airbnb and Uber into Tasmania.

However, there has been an unexpected impact of throwing open the doors for short stay accommodation in particular – the impact it has had on rental availability and affordability.

​A Legislative Council inquiry is being conducted into the regulation of the short stay sector and will be in Launceston today.

It will hear from businesses and industries who have or will be affected by the changes.

The hospitality association will state their case at the inquiry, and are expected to illustrate how the short-stay accommodation sector boosts the industry.

Like many industries, the way people travel has evolved. It has always been a balance to get the positives from tourism without impacting too much on those who call the travel destination home.

This inquiry is an important and vital part of ensuring both worlds are accommodated into the future.