Share a taste of Tasmania this festive season

We are all preparing for the festive season and looking forward to catching up with those who we've missed during the long coronavirus pandemic.

This Christmas is extra special for me as it will be my first since becoming a grandmother.

I am looking forward to the opportunity to share our traditions with a new generation - and to start making new family traditions as so often happens when grandchildren arrive.

At the very least I'm expecting Christmases to become joyfully noisy in the coming years.

Tasmania's population is approaching a COVID-19 vaccination rate of 90 per cent for those aged 12 and over, which means we are still on track to open our state border in less than two weeks.

We're expecting an influx of fully vaccinated returning residents, family members and tourists taking advantage of entering Tasmania without needing to quarantine.

Those travellers who have been in high-risk areas in the fortnight before arriving in Tasmania will need to return a negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours before their departure.

Unvaccinated travellers will still need to apply to enter Tasmania and may need to quarantine on arrival.

Not only will these new entry conditions mean family and friend reunions across the state, but it will keep our tourism and hospitality industries busy too.

I'm certain businesses in these industry sectors are looking forward to the festive rush.

Small businesses account for more than 97 per cent of Australian businesses and represent more than 32 per cent of our national economy, the Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman Small Business Counts December 2020 report shows.

The economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on small businesses makes it more important than ever to shop local for Christmas gifts, food and drinks.

Not only does shopping local mean you don't have to wait for your purchases to arrive, but you're also supporting Tasmanian businesses and, therefore, our economy.

Border restrictions throughout 2020 and 2021 hurt Tasmania's small businesses, with many experiencing a downturn and others struggling to survive or even closing.

So, when you're doing your Christmas shopping, consider whether you can source what you're after locally.

Tasmania has an excellent reputation for producing high-quality food and beverages which can help you take care of your festive menu, and we have a very long list of Tasmanian businesses that can help you find the perfect gift for your loved ones.

A small business owner will thank you for buying locally.

On the subject of gifts, Tourism Australia is encouraging us to "give a gift that's truly epic" in the latest instalment of its Holiday Here this Year campaign.

Different people have different travel preferences and styles, so giving travel as a gift can be a unique approach.

The added benefit of a travel gift is that it supports jobs and businesses in a sector that has been hit very hard by the COVID-19 pandemic.

With the majority of Australians fully vaccinated and states and territories reopening borders to interstate and international travellers, now is the time to travel to loved ones (or invite them to visit you) and support our tourism industry at the same time.

It has been a long year for all of us and I'm sure you're all waiting eagerly for a break as the year ends.

Please don't rush or cut corners as you try to get everything done before finishing up for the year.

Take your time to stay safe - at work, at home and on the roads.

As Margaret Thatcher said: "Christmas is a day of meaning and traditions, a special day spent in the warm circle of family and friends".

As we have done so well during the COVID-19 pandemic, let's continue to look out for our family, friends and community members so we can all enjoy this special time together.

Keep updated on travel restrictions and other Tasmanian community updates via www.coronavirus.tas.gov.au but, most of all, I hope this Christmas ends your 2021 on a bright note and I wish you and your family health and happiness for the New Year ahead.