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Tourism Portfolio More Important than Ever
Posted on Tuesday, 16 September 2008 | Permalink
16 September 2008
The Tourism Industry Council of Tasmania has welcomed the appointment of Michelle O’Byrne as Minister for Tourism and the decision to retain Tourism within the Department of Economic Development.
Chief Executive of the Tourism Industry Council of Tasmania Daniel Hanna said today that the industry looked forward to working with Ms O’Byrne to address the many challenges facing the industry.
“With the many challenges currently facing tourism nationally and internationally it is more important than ever that we have strong and stable support within Government and a recommitment to achieve the joint industry-government targets in the Tourism 21 strategy,” Mr Hanna said.
Mr Hanna said the current world economic and financial crisis was throwing up very difficult challenges for the industry.
“Around the world we are seeing reports of the worst economic conditions in many decades, airlines failing and tourists being stranded because of rising fuel prices and greater competition.
“Tasmania currently is more than holding its own and, in fact, is retaining air services and market share against the trend.
“However it will be difficult to maintain our position and sustain growth into the future and we need a strong advocate within Government and united approach to achieve our joint objectives.
Mr Hanna said that in the current economic climate one of the major difficulties was to attract investment and financial backing for tourism ventures. The State also needed to focus on improving tourism infrastructure and attracting and building a skilled workforce.
He said it was important that Tourism remained within the Department of Economic Development as it was a major driver of economic growth in Tasmania.
