In this issue of ECTT Industry News

• Tourism Australia Tourism Awards 2024
• Brand Tasmania Storytelling Workshop 
• Events Tasmania Workshop Swansea
• Tasmanian Tourism Showcase 
• Statewide Occupancy Statistics
• Off Season Tool Kit 
• What's On - Events
• Business Grants available

East Coast Success at the

Qantas Australian Tourism Awards

The East Coast shone at the 2024 Qantas Australian Tourism Awards in Adelaide, with four finalists in the Awards, and our very own Emily Elmer achieving national recognition for her outstanding contributions to the tourism industry.

Emily’s business, Younique Stays, took out Gold in the Tourism Retail, Hire & Services category, marking a historic first for the awards.

Reflecting on the achievement, Younique Stays shared:

"We are still in awe of our incredible achievement! Winning GOLD in the ‘Tourism Retail, Hire & Services’ category, especially on the 40th anniversary of these prestigious awards, is both humbling and exciting. This follows an exceptional year, having also won GOLD at the Tasmanian Tourism Awards and Emily receiving the Tasmanian Tourism Minister’s Young Achiever Award."

Emily and her team continue to set a benchmark for excellence, ensuring guests experience the best of the East Coast. Their gratitude extends to property owners and guests for their trust and support.

A huge congratulations also goes to our outstanding East Coast finalists:

Silver Pennicott Wilderness Journeys 

Major Tour & Transport Operators

Renowned for its world-class eco-tourism adventures, Pennicott Wilderness Journeys offers unforgettable experiences showcasing Tasmania’s breathtaking landscapes and diverse wildlife. From the towering sea cliffs of Bruny Island to the rugged beauty of Tasman Island and the serene waters of Wineglass Bay, each tour is designed to immerse guests in the natural wonders of the region. With a strong commitment to sustainability and conservation, Pennicott Wilderness Journeys delivers exceptional, environmentally responsible experiences that highlight Tasmania’s rich marine and coastal heritage.

Finalist wukalina Walk

Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Tourism Experience
A truly exceptional cultural tourism experience, wukalina Walk offers visitors the opportunity to immerse themselves in the stories, landscapes, and traditions of Tasmania’s Palawa people. This multi-award-winning guided walk is recognised as a leader in authentic, Indigenous-led tourism.

Finalist Freycinet Resort

3 - 3.5 Star Accommodation
Renowned for its breathtaking location and eco-conscious design, Freycinet Resort provides an unforgettable stay on the East Coast. Surrounded by stunning natural beauty, the resort blends comfort and sustainability, offering guests an extraordinary retreat in one of Tasmania’s most iconic destinations.

These accolades highlight the incredible talent and dedication of our local tourism operators. Well done to all!

BRAND TASMANIA - STORYTELLING WORKSHOPS

Story Foundations & the Story Advantage

Your brand isn't just about products or services—it's about the story that sets you apart. In these sessions you'll learn how to leverage the Tasmanian brand to enhance your market position, connect deeply with your target audience, and use your story as a powerful sales tool that differentiates your brand and drives bottom-line results.

In Story Foundations: The Art of Brand Storytelling we uncover the power of storytelling, learn the art of crafting compelling narratives, and discover how to bring your story to life. Then, in The Story Advantage: Using Your Brand Story for Sales Success we delve deeper into the practical application of storytelling. The Story Advantage workshop is your gateway to mastering storytelling as a powerful tool for sales success, going beyond the basics to deliver real business results.

These workshops are led by Tasmanian story-driven marketer Jen Murnaghan. As the founder of Digital Dandy and advisor to hundreds of Tasmanian brands since 2013, Jen has helped businesses craft stories that convert audience interest into lasting customer relationships.

These workshops are currently available in Hobart, Launceston, Devonport, and St Helens.

Link here for tickets

Social Media for Events Workshop: coming to the

East Coast!

Events Tasmania and the Department of State Growth are excited to bring the workshop to Swansea!
Tuesday, 8 April 2025

2:00 pm to 4:00 pm

Barkmill Tavern

For more information, sign up via Eventbrite for Swansea the workshop. 

The workshop will assist you with promoting your event efficiently on social media and utilising your online presence to connect with your audience and strengthen your event planning.

Your presenter is coach Jen Murnaghan.

You will learn practical techniques and actionable strategies such as:

● Discover how having an online presence will enable you to reach a greater and more targeted audience

● Learn how to create community interest around your event

● Harness the power of social media to attract volunteers

● Explore digital accessible options for your customers

● Discover how social media can provide businesses with cost-effective and adaptable marketing solutions

● Understand the importance of leveraging your event's 'Tasmanian' story

● Learn about the different social media platforms through examples of events using them to effectively promote their event.

Tasmanian Tourism Showcase 2025

Planning is in full swing for the 2025 Tasmanian Tourism Showcase, taking place on Friday 25th and Saturday 26th July at Hobart's Princes Wharf 1. The 2024 Tasmanian Tourism Showcase saw over 300 industry stakeholders and 3000 consumers attend over the two days and this year's event promises to be bigger and better than ever!

There is an early bird pricing on single exhibition sites, available until 31 March. A single exhibition site starts from $750 ex GST for both days.

More details of the event will be released over the coming months and can be found on the event website https://tourismshowcase.com.au/

Register here

2024 Photo Gallery

Please reach out to the Destination Southern Tasmania team if you have any questions dstadmin@southerntasmania.com.au  Or contact Sally Taylor sally@eastcoasttasmania.com.au

We look forward to working together with you and your team for another fantastic event!

The Tasmanian Hospitality Association's

SUMMER OCCUPANCY STATISTICS

Tasmania’s summer season has delivered outstanding results for the accommodation sector, with the East Coast recording an 83.38% occupancy rate in February—an impressive 3.78% increase from last year. This growth reflects the region’s strong visitor appeal, from pristine beaches and breathtaking national parks to world-class food, wine, and hospitality experiences.

Statewide, February saw one of the highest occupancy rates on record, with an 89.53% average across Tasmania. The summer quarter (December to February) also recorded an impressive 82.97% occupancy rate, proving that the state remains a premier destination during the warmer months.

Steve Old, CEO of the Tasmanian Hospitality Association, praised the achievement:

"These numbers are fantastic and a testament to the hard work of tourism and hospitality operators. The growth on the East Coast shows the strength of our regional offerings, and we have the potential to build on this even further."

While summer success is cause for celebration, industry leaders are now turning their focus to sustaining momentum into the quieter months. With continued investment in shoulder-season events and strategic marketing, the East Coast is well-positioned to keep attracting visitors year-round.

These figures reinforce what we already know—the East Coast of Tasmania is a must-visit destination, no matter the season!

What's on

There's so many great events, markets, live music, classes and activities to get involved with on the East Coast.

To see the whole schedule for this year and beyond

from Ansons Bay to Buckland,

go to our website for all the details and booking instructions

https://www.eastcoasttasmania.com/events/

If you are hosting an upcoming event on the East Coast let us know!

Email marketing@eastcoasttasmania.com.au

Business grants and support

There are a number of industry grants and funding opportunities now available to help support your business  visit the website 

The Tasmanian tourism industry acknowledges the Tasmanian Aboriginal people and their enduring custodianship of lutruwita / Tasmania. We honour 40,000 years of uninterrupted care, protection and belonging to these islands, before the invasion and colonisation of European settlement. As a tourism industry that welcomes visitors to these lands, we acknowledge our responsibility to represent to our visitors Tasmania’s deep and complex history, fully, respectfully and truthfully. We acknowledge the Aboriginal people who continue to care for this country today. We pay our respects to their elders, past and present. We honour their stories, songs, art, and culture, and their aspirations for the future of their people and these lands. We respectfully ask that tourism be a part of that future.