Tourism Industry Council Tasmania

Tourism Industry Council Tasmania
Name	Tourism Industry Council Tasmania
Abbreviation	TICT
Formation	2007
Type	Industry association
Headquarters	Hobart, Tasmania
Region served	Tasmania
Membership	Tourism operators, accommodation providers, attractions

Tourism Industry Council Tasmania is an industry association representing tourism operators across Tasmania, Australia. It engages with stakeholders in Hobart and regional centres to promote visitor experiences linked to natural assets such as Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park, Freycinet National Park and cultural institutions including the Museum of Old and New Art and Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra. The council interfaces with regulatory entities including the Tasmanian Government and national bodies like Tourism Australia and industry networks such as the Australian Hotels Association.

History

The organisation emerged amid sector reforms following debates in the 2000s involving the Tasmanian Tourism Industry Council predecessors and peak bodies responding to reports from the Productivity Commission and inquiries tied to state development agendas. Its formative years overlapped with campaigns around events like the promotion of the MONA FOMA Festival and initiatives linked to visitation patterns at sites such as Port Arthur Historic Site and the Bruny Island Cheese Company. Over time it adapted to shocks including the Global Financial Crisis 2007–2008 and the downturn from the COVID-19 pandemic in Australia, recalibrating priorities after consultations with entities such as Destination Southern Tasmania and the Tasmanian Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Structure and Governance

The council operates under a board model similar to associations like the National Farmers' Federation and the Business Council of Australia. Its governance includes elected representatives from regions such as Launceston, Devonport, and Zeehan and portfolio leads mirroring sectors represented by groups like the Accommodation Association of Australia. Senior executives liaise with statutory authorities including the Tourism Tasmania agency and statutory land managers like the Parks and Wildlife Service (Tasmania). Annual general meetings, membership classes and committee structures reflect practices seen in bodies such as the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Functions and Activities

The council undertakes functions comparable to the Australian Tourism Data Warehouse partners and the Australian Trade and Investment Commission interface: industry advocacy, market intelligence dissemination, operator training and crisis coordination. It issues guidance for operators affected by events like Tasmanian bushfires and navigates regulatory frameworks influenced by instruments such as the Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 when matters involve heritage sites like the Port Arthur Historic Site Management Authority precinct. The council organises conferences, workshops and familiarisation tours akin to programs delivered by the Australian Tourism Industry Council and regional destination management organisations.

Advocacy and Policy Influence

Advocacy priorities have included infrastructure investment for links such as the Bass Strait ferry routes and airport upgrades at Hobart Airport and Launceston Airport, sustainable access to attractions managed by the Tasmanian Parks and Wildlife Service, and taxation matters debated with the Australian Taxation Office and state treasuries. The council has made submissions to inquiries by the Tasmanian Legislative Council and engaged with ministers from cabinets led by premiers such as Will Hodgman and Peter Gutwein, and liaised with federal ministers responsible for tourism portfolios. It has engaged in policy forums alongside the Regional Development Australia networks and participated in interjurisdictional dialogues with counterparts in Victoria (Australia) and New South Wales.

Membership and Industry Engagement

Members include tour operators, accommodation providers, experience operators at sites like Freycinet and Cradle Mountain, and ancillary services including hospitality businesses aligned with organisations such as the Australian Hotels Association and Restaurant & Catering Australia. The council segments membership to represent interests from small operators active in markets connected to the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area to larger enterprises operating ferries linking to King Island. Engagement mechanisms include regional forums, sector-specific working groups and partnerships with training providers such as TAFE Tasmania and industry accreditation schemes similar to the Australian Tourism Accreditation Program.

Partnerships and Programs

The council partners with destination management organisations like Destination Launceston and research bodies such as the University of Tasmania to deliver programs on market diversification, digital marketing and workforce development. Collaborative initiatives have included product development aligned with festivals such as the Dark Mofo series and campaigns in coordination with Tourism Australia and Austrade for international markets including participants from New Zealand and China. Programs addressing sustainability follow standards comparable to those promoted by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council and involve stakeholders like the Australian Marine Conservation Society when marine attractions are implicated.

Awards and Recognition

The council supports and endorses industry awards and recognition schemes modelled on the Australian Tourism Awards and state-level accolades administered by Tourism Tasmania and local chambers such as the Launceston Chamber of Commerce. It highlights operators who deliver excellence at venues such as the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery precinct or culinary enterprises recognised in listings akin to the Australian Good Food Guide. Recipients often include boutique accommodation providers, experiential tour operators and community-led initiatives in regions like Huonville and Sorell.

Category:Tourism in Tasmania Category:Industry associations of Australia