Growing the value of our agri-tourism sector is the subject of a new position paper released today for public consultation.
The Draft Agri-tourism Position Paper 2016 says agri-tourism such as farm stays and farm gate sellers have been successfully integrated into the regional identity of many places nationally and internationally for some time.
In Tasmania the agri-tourism sector is largely made up of smaller scale business operators with a focus on niche markets. However, food, wine and local produce are important motivators for visitors when choosing travel destinations and we need to understand how Tasmania can use its strong and growing reputation for quality produce to take advantage of this.
Anecdotal evidence suggests there’s been increasing attendance at Tasmanian food and wine festivals, tasting events and an increase in the number and size of farmers markets.
The Hodgman Liberal Government has a clear focus on job creation and growing the State’s economy and is keen to understand how to further grow the value of this sector for the benefit of all Tasmanians.
The focus on agri-tourism contributes to two targets set by the Government: to grow the value of agriculture tenfold to $10 billion by 2050; and to grow our visitor economy by attracting more visitors, higher spending, greater employment and a higher level of regional visitor dispersal.
The draft position paper is available for public comment until February 2017 and can be viewed here: http://www.stategrowth.tas.gov.au/home/sectors/cultural_and_tourism_industry
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