Just back from a bracing break in Tasmania, I learn that Australia’s tourist industry may be losing some of its gloss.

Things may be only be a little damp at present, but if observed trends continue, it could find itself under the pump.

With one of the most famous Barrier Reef tourist boats sold off because of a lack of tourists, a decline in the number of the Japanese visitors, increasing competition from overseas destinations, and less domestic spending due to rising interest rates and higher prices, the industry is casting about for new ways to tempt tourists.

For what they’re worth, here are a few random observations about Tasmania, whose economy depends heavily on tourism.

This lovely island state has just opted for yet another change in its car number plate slogan. It’s been through several since “The Apple Isle” lost any relevance and now the new slogan is “Consider the Possibilities”.

One could also consider the likelihood of such a message having much effect on tourist numbers. Surely such slogans are preaching largely to the converted.

If you live in Queensland, you surely know you are in the Sunshine State. ( OK, I admit it, I had to take a look at my Forester to check. It could have been the unlamented Smart State.)

Admittedly, numberplate slogans are highly visible, but when you see thousands in front of you in traffic, do you really notice them?

Launceston’s just Gorge-ous

Launceston is one of Australia’s most undersold tourist destinations.

Certainly it has benefited from the rise and rise of the Tamar Valley wine industry, one product of which I am now happily sipping, but it should be capitalising much more on its character and its history as one of Australia’s oldest cities, with beautiful streetscapes.

Most of all, though, it should make the most of its mighty Cataract Gorge, which spills the South Esk River right into the city’s heart.

The Gorge walk must be one of the nation’s greatest and most easily accessible short walks (about an hour for the energetic, two or five for leisurely strollers and long lunchers respectively) so next time you’re considering the possibilities, have a look at Launceston – it’s Gorge-ous.

And Another Thing:

All the tourism promotion dollars in the world can’t supplant good service, pleasantly delivered.

By and large, Sunshine Coast restaurants score well here, but courtesy is a two-way street, and sometimes patrons drive on the wrong side.

I spoke the other day with a restaurateur who took a dinner booking for 25. That meant bringing in extra staff, which he arranged, but when he rang the given number for confirmation he got the message: “Sorry, number disconnected”.

The 25 did not show.

That was bad enough, but late last year, a business-oriented organisation booked three local restaurants for its annual do, then gave two the flick.
My informant’s place was one of them. Hardly the way to welcome a new business to town, I would have thought..
rich.29@bigpond.net.au