Plan a party to sustain our tourism
Be an ambassador for Tasmania and plan post-crisis holidays, says Can-Seng Ooi
TOURISM is important in Tasmania. Almost one in five work directly or indirectly in the industry. Government has stepped up to support businesses, maintain jobs and assure the community during this devastating COVID-19 pandemic. The consequences of this crisis is brutal on the tourism industry, it needs all the help it can get.
It is heartening to see members of the community are coming forward to volunteer. And we also want to support our local businesses, including in tourism. We have a global problem with local consequences. It is up to us to find the local solutions.
Many museums and establishments have closed. And as responsible citizens, we need to maintain social distance. Can we still support the local tourism industry? Yes, there are at least three ways.
First, do not go against health and medical advice. If we follow expert advice, our transmission rate will remain relatively low and we will shorten our period of pain. We can then start the process of recovery sooner rather than later. Many eateries remain open, and with proper precautions, meals with immediate family can still be enjoyable and safe. Some attractions are still open, such as Tahune Airwalk and Bonorong Wildlife Rescue.
Second, start planning on where we want to visit when social distancing is no longer necessary.
Few people are in the mood for celebratory or end-of-crisis planning. There are more immediate things to worry about. But while we manage the situation and take care of others, it is just as important to be kind to ourselves.
It is healthy to remind ourselves that this crisis will eventually be over. It is helpful to plan for a more cheerful future. So, start planning for some leisure and holiday activities. It will cheer us up a little. The doom and gloom can get us down, and it would help to have some light and joyful thoughts sometimes.
It may come a time when we can mingle but our borders remain shut. It will take a while before visitors return. The initial stage of recovery will be quiet for the industry and tourism businesses will need all the boost they can get. We can take part in their recovery by planning now.
For the moment, businesses would love to hear about our plans to visit in the future. Drop them a note on their social media pages or an email.
Third, when we communicate with family and friends, remind them that Tasmania is the perfect place to celebrate the end of a difficult period. We have the most spectacular backdrop to drink the best wine and eat the freshest food.
Dare we put in place a party plan for our interstate families and friends, and be prepared to roll it out when the gloom is over? We can act as tourism ambassadors during this crisis.
Tourism has brought many benefits. And we want them to continue. It will be an uphill task for the industry to recover from this economic disaster. We are Tasmanian. We have overcome dire circumstances before and now we are one of the economically strongest states. We are a choice destination for visitors and migrants. COVID-19 has put a spanner in the works but in our unassuming quiet ways, we can remain the best.
There are only so many ways we can help the tourism industry at the moment but we should be ready to step up when the time arrives.