Tourism Tasmania wants more Kiwis visiting the state, highlighting it as a destination that caters to wildlife and nature lovers, as well as foodies and those who are looking for something a little quirkier.
Monica Armesto, head of trade-partnerships and international at Tourism Tasmania, tells Travel Today Tasmania is often compared to New Zealand, and she admits there is a degree of familiarity for Kiwi travellers, but says it is the differences that ultimately drive appeal and holiday bookings from this market.
“Alongside the world-class walks and wilderness experiences that resonate strongly with this market, Tasmania offers a highly differentiated food, drink and agritourism proposition,” she adds.
Tasmania’s ‘hyper-local’ culinary scene boasts some of the most respected chefs from mainland Australia and New Zealand, including Kiwi Analiese Gregory.
There is also growing recognition of Tasmania’s credentials on the global stage, Armesto pointing out that Launceston is a designated UNESCO City of Gastronomy, and the island has built a strong reputation as the Australian capital for whisky and cool-climate wines.
“Collectively, these elements are increasingly positioning Tasmania as a leading food and drink destination.”
It’s not all food, wine and whisky. Armesto says Tasmania has a rich heritage offering and a calendar of culturally distinctive events, this including winter festival Dark Mofo, as well as more than 1500 beaches, many of which are relatively uncrowded compared to other Australian states.
“With a direct Auckland–Hobart service of around three hours, and short drive times enabling multi-experience itineraries with ease, Tasmania offers strong accessibility and dispersal potential,” she says.
…Trade
Tourism Tasmania will continue working with the trade locally to get the above message out, this including a current partnership with both Air New Zealand and House of Travel to promote travel and experiences in the New Zealand market.
“Our activity runs year-round, including famils for trade and train- ing through Tourism Australia’s Aussie Specialist Program,” says Armesto. “We will continue to work with trade partners to amplify the reach of our owned and earned channels.” For details see HERE.
