Submission to the Legislative Council Enquiry into Tourism in Tasmania

Wine Industry Tasmania (WIT) recently had the opportunity to present to the Legislative Council Inquiry into Tourism in Tasmania. This Inquiry represents a great opportunity for wine to be considered in the broader context of tourism.

WIT provided a written submission and CEO Sheralee Davies and Chair Graeme Lynch presented verbal evidence at a Committee Hearing on 28 May. In addition to providing information on the wine sector, this was an opportunity to request support for the following initiatives:

1. Ongoing investment in destination marketing, consistent with the objectives of Tasmania Together, including collaboration with the wine sector;
2. Support for commercialisation of the Tasmanian wine brand;
3. Support for annual independent Visiting Journalist Programs targeting key wine media;
4. Support for the 2012 International Cool Climate Symposium and launch of an annual Tasmanian Wine & Food Festival;
5. Ongoing data collection specific to winery tourism;
6. Educational and promotional program targeted at Tasmania’s restaurant owners and sommeliers to encourage support of Tasmanian wine and strengthen the winery tourism experience; and
7. Reinstatement of the Tasmanian Government cellar door rebate.

All Committee members were very receptive to the submission and supportive of wine tourism in general.

This issue is obviously important to the majority of wine producers around the state and the presentation has opened the door for the wine sector to continue more detailed discussions with this group in the future.

Click here to download a full copy of the submission.