Tasmania is one of the world’s best kept secrets, and it’s being discovered.

I am particularly bullish about Chinese tourism because of the recent announcement of direct flights from Hobart to China, the possibility of which has been facilitated by the coalition government investment in extending the runway at the Hobart International Airport.

The final planning is underway and construction will start soon. This influx of tourists is creating a whole new industry within itself.

We have seen Tourism Industry Council Tasmania CEO Luke Martin working tirelessly with local China guru Richard Beere to develop and run workshops for local business operators who will be providing services to Chinese tourists.

The workshops aim to increase knowledge of Chinese and other cultures and further potential communication with non-English speakers and are designed to give our local operators the tools they need to ensure a positive experience for all.”

Senator David Bushby
Chief Government Whip in the Senate, Liberal Senator for Tasmania

Extract from speech made to the Australian Senate on 3rd March 2016. View full speech.