Gongs offer ray of hope

THE timing couldn’t have been better for Tasmania to scoop up a bounty of national tourism prizes. There’s no hiding from the fact that the impacts of coronavirus are hurting the global and national economy.

Tasmania isn’t immune to that.

In order to stop the spread of the virus, travel restrictions had to be imposed.

Firstly it was isolated to Chinese visitation, which makes up just 1 per cent of the Tasmanian tourist market but it bites all the same. Now restrictions have been extended to Iran and the Republic of Korea with visitors from Italy instructed to self-isolate should they come to Australia.

It’s safe to assume as coronavirus spreads, there will be more limitations.

Tourism operators have been some of the first people to feel the squeeze from this global crisis.

With no end in sight, operators across Australia are buckling up for what could be a very bumpy ride ahead.

For mum and dad businesses who live hand to mouth, Federal Government will need to provide assistance to see them through what could ultimately be a very difficult period.

Traditionally Tasmania, due to its isolation from the mainland, weathers the storm better than other big Australian markets.

This is why the stellar performance by our top operators at last night’s national awards deserves to be screamed from the rooftops.

As Australians reconsider international travel, we hope they look to our exceptional offerings as an alternative and that seeing Tasmania overrepresented in such coveted prizes will reassure holiday-makers who come here, they won’t be disappointed.

And the best thing we can do to help our tourism operators is to reach out to our families on the mainland or in other parts of the state and to encourage them to pay us a visit.

Every weekend seems to be crammed full of exceptional events to suit everyone’s tastes.

This long weekend’s action-packed AFL fixtures in both the North and South of the state make for essential viewing – not just because of the level of skill on display but masses of Tasmanians turning up also sends a message to the powers that be in Melbourne that the state’s appetite for the competition is insatiable, adding weight to our argument for a home team in the national league.

If footy isn’t your thing, join thousands who will flock to the Huon Valley this weekend for its annual food, wine, entertainment and arts festival, A Taste of the Huon.

In the heart of Tasmania, there’s Hamilton Agricultural Show and in the North-West, Sheffield proudly hosts the three-day Steamfest.

All of those sorts of events, and many more, are held in communities across Tasmania every, single weekend.

This year – in fact every year – is an opportunity for us to take stock and truly appreciate what we have in our own backyard.

Tasmanians know how to band together during tough times, and that’s exactly what we need to do with some rough seas ahead.

Congratulations to all last night’s winners who have done our great state proud.

Responsibility for all editorial comment is taken by the Editor, Jenna Cairney, Level 1, 2 Salamanca Square, Hobart, TAS, 7000