Eric Hutchinson (Lyons, Liberal Party) Share this | Hansard source

Indeed, there are new records being set in tourism in Tasmania. In the year ended June 2014, tourism contributed over $1 billion—or four per cent—to Tasmania's economy: 15,000 direct jobs and 22½ thousand indirect jobs in our state. In 2014-15, international visitors to Tasmania were up 22 per cent to 198,000, with China being the largest of those markets. So it was that on Friday, 6 November, at the Wrest Point facility, the Tasmanian Tourism Award winners were announced for this year.

I take this opportunity to congratulate the Port Arthur Historic Site Management Authority on winning both the Major Tourist Attractions and the Cultural Tourism awards. Stephen Large and his team do a fantastic job at that iconic facility. I also congratulate Rob Pennicott from Bruny Island Cruises for winning best tourist attraction. For the Major Festivals and Events award, I congratulate the MyState Australian Wooden Boat Festival 2015. For the Festivals and Events award, I congratulate the Falls Music and Arts Festival in my electorate of Lyons at Marion Bay on the beautiful south-east coast. I congratulate Rob Sherrard and the Tasmanian Walking Company for winning the Ecotourism and Adventure Tourism awards as well as the Qantas Award for Excellence in Sustainable Tourism. I congratulate Dennis and Tina Lucas and Cruisin' Motorhomes for winning the Specialised Tourism Services award. I congratulate the Tasmanian Travel and Information Centre for winning the Visitor Information Services award. I congratulate the Old Woolstore Apartment Hotel in Hobart for winning the Business Event Venue and Deluxe Accommodation awards.

For the Major Tour and Transport Operators award, I congratulate Par Avion Wilderness Tours; Shannon Wells, indeed, is a passionate and entrepreneurial Tasmanian. For the Tour and Transport Operators award, I congratulate the Bruny Island Long Weekend. For the Destination Marketing award, I congratulate Chris Griffin and the team at #RideNorthTas. For the Tourism, Restaurants and Catering Services award as well as the Tourism Wineries, Distilleries and Breweries award, I congratulate Josef Chromy Wines. Particular congratulations go to Curringa Farm Tours and Accommodation for winning the Hosted Accommodation award. They also won the China Market Export Development Award, an inaugural award, so congratulations Tim and Jane Parsons from Hamilton. For the Unique Accommodation award, I congratulate the Avalon City Retreat. For the Self-Contained Accommodation award, I congratulate the Avalon Coastal Retreat at Swansea on the east coast. I congratulate the Sandpiper Ocean Cottages at Bicheno for winning the Standard Accommodation award. I congratulate Saffire Freycinet for winning the Luxury Accommodation award. I congratulate Pumphouse Point for winning the Gustav Award for New Tourism Businesses.

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