There are some places in Tasmania that Tasmanians will just never visit. Or they may only visit once in their lifetime.
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These are the same places that international tourists travel across the globe to see. They spend thousands of dollars and hours of travel to explore parts of our state that many of us have either taken for granted or simply forgotten.
Instead, many Tasmanians save their dollars to discover the world beyond the Apple Isle. A holiday has always involved an airplane.
But the times are changing. Perhaps this is one silver lining to emerge in what has been the devastation of coronavirus. There is a chance to explore our beautiful state with fellow Tasmanians.
The Tasmanian economy relies heavily on tourism. According to Tourism Tasmania, the tourism industry, directly and indirectly, contributes about $3.2 million or 10.3 per cent to the Gross State Product.
The sector also, directly and indirectly, supports about 42,000 jobs or 17.2 per cent of Tasmania's total state employment. This is higher than the national average and the highest in the country.
Opening the borders to interstate travel will not solve the issue for the industry. The return to international travel is the goal - but that will rely on a vaccine and a feeling of safety for potential tourists.
It's in Tasmanians interests to support this industry. To do so, those dollars people were saving for a trip to Melbourne or a dream escape through Europe should be redirected to Tasmanian destinations where possible.
People will still be experiencing world-class holiday experiences - just without the terrible airline food.
The challenge is for Tasmanians to support each other. Depending on your budget it may mean a short drive to a local tourist destination, for some it could be a weekend getaway with the family and for others a week-long adventure.
Right now is a matter of survival for many tourism operators. We all have a chance to have an impact on jobs and the long-term future of the industry and our state's economy.