As we navigate 2026, both as an industry and as individuals, there is no doubt we are living through a time of change. But with change also comes possibility and opportunity. Tasmania is well positioned to offer something special right now, a place where people can reconnect, both physically and spiritually, with nature, creativity, stories and each other.
With that in mind, we want to take some time to focus on the things we can do, the opportunities we can create, and the ideas we can share together. We will be joined by
Katy Cooper, certified Futurist, Strategist and Founding Director of DisCo Consulting (a futures and whole human systems consulting company), to talk about leading through ambiguity and change. Katy is passionate about helping organisations and people to understand what they don’t know, and also prepare for what they can’t see. As well as critical thinking and outside-the-square ideas, she brings honesty and hope to uncertain times.
Join us at Bangor Vineyard Shed on Wednesday, 22 April for a positive and collaborative conversation about the possibilities and opportunities we might be able to leverage in 2026. Together, we’ll share ideas, explore what is ahead, and leave feeling hopeful, connected and inspired.
We'll also hear from Bangor's Matt and Vanessa Dunbabin about their beautiful venue and wines, and we'll get an update from the Tasman Council about this year's "A Natural Escape" festival in October.
Nibbles provided, with drinks available for purchase. Bangor is also keen to stay open for dinner that night if there is enough interest, so if you'd like to stay for a meal, please let us know when you register.
Please also note that there are regularly photographers at our events, taking photos for use on digital platforms. If you do not want to be photographed, please let us know when you RSVP, or on arrival at the event.
Please also let us know if you have any specific access requirements.
Tourism Tasmania Industry Update Events
Tourism Tasmania invites you to attend an industry update to hear about current industry trends and also about progress on their strategy and marketing activities. There will be a panel discussion on how AI and technology are reshaping the tourism landscape, as well as a sneak peek of their new industry website - a single platform bringing together visitor insights, resources, and tools for Tasmanian tourism operators.
Afterwards, network with fellow industry peers, Tourism Tasmania team members, and your regional tourism organisation over drinks and nibbles.
Autumn in Southern Tasmania is something special, and
DST celebrates autumn magic with our annual photography competition. It's a great way to encourage shutterbugs to explore further and look more closely, whilst also showcasing Southern Tasmania in all her golden glory.
We encourage you to not only enter yourselves but also help us spread the word to both visitors and locals.
All photography skill levels are welcome, from beginners to pros; many past finalists (and indeed winners) have taken their photos on an iPhone, so no fancy expensive cameras required!
The Coal River Valley Tasmania Tourism Association is running a raffle over the coming months to support the work they do to promote the region, its people, and its vibrant tourism community. Prizes include accommodation packages, hampers, dining experiences, retail vouchers, spirits and of course, wine. Tickets are $5 each or 6 for $25 and the raffle will be drawn on 25 June.
As ANZAC Day falls on a Saturday this year, Salamanca Market will be held on Sunday 26 April that weekend, to observe ANZAC Day trading restrictions. Timing remains the same: 8:30am - 3:00pm.
Image right: Graham Freenman/Tourism Australia
Hello Hobart Gift Card Program
Hello Hobartis calling for expressions of interest from Hobart small businesses that would like to participate in a collaborative gift card program. Customers will be able to purchase a card (of a nominated value) that offers the lucky recipient the opportunity to use the card in a whole range of participating Hobart businesses. It's completely free to participate, and there is no admin required from participating businesses; the card is accepted through your existing POS system, just like a debit card.
To help spending flow from large to small business and support the local economy, larger businesses can also purchase the cards as staff gifts, incentives, prizes and complimentary value-adds for clients.
From the watershed moment of 2014 to subsequent wins in 2018 and 2019, Sullivan's Cove has now been awarded World's Best for the fourth time - a rare continuity at the highest level of global whisky. 🏆
But the accolades don't end there; it's not just the whisky itself, but the people behind the whisky that have been suitably recognised recently. At the Icons of Whisky Awards 2026, Sullivan's Cove's Heather Tillott took out Global Innovation Manager of the Year, whilst Marcelo Viapiana was awarded Global Warehouse manager of the Year. 👏👏
On Board the World's Greatest Places
On Board has been recognised on the global stage by being included in TIME’s annual list of the World’s Greatest Places for 2026.
TIME's list celebrates 100 extraordinary destinations offering new and meaningful ways to experience the world, and this year, Tasmania’s remote southwest stands among them. TIME’s write‑up celebrates the rare access and immersive wilderness experience On Board offers in the UNESCO Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area.
Image: Tim Grey
Closed for Upgrades
The Tasman Arch/Devil's Kitchen site on the Tasman Peninsula and the Catamaran campground and boat ramp at Cockle Creek will be closed for upgrades between 15 April and 31 July 2026.
Destination Southern Tasmania is always interested in your industry updates. Completing this form lets us know what’s happening in your business or region. Your news and information may be shared with Tourism Tasmania and throughout the Destination Southern Tasmania social, email and web channels. Priority is given to DST members.
Palawa kipli is first and foremost a native food business. They are operated by Aboriginal people, on Aboriginal land and are committed to the reconnection of our people to traditional food practices. They offer state-wide catering, kipli takara / bush tucker tours (featuring their new bush foods garden at piyura kitina / Risdon Cove), educational workshops, host cultural events and TV shows.
As an island state, the sea is significant to all Tasmanians. This museum explores the influence of the sea on the lives of Tasmanians and the strong maritime heritage of the islands. You will find informative displays about aboriginal watercraft, early European explorers and whalers, shipbuilding, shipwrecks and more!
This luxury accommodation and restaurant in Richmond sits just over the road from Pooley Wines. The hotel and home underwent a full renovation and restoration in 2019, now showcasing ten luxuriously appointed King and Queen rooms, and one private suite. This 190-year-old Tasmanian institution is also home to Buscombe’s Restaurant which delivers a refined farm-to-table dining experience by Chef James Paul Miller.
Under new ownership as recently as this week, Four Seasons Waterfront Villas consists of four self-contained villas at Taranna. The business will see a spruce and rebrand over the coming months, so stay tuned for an update soon.
New Member Benefit!
Special accommodation rates
Big thanks to DST Ultimate Members, The Old Woolstore Apartment Hotel and Hadley's Orient Hotel, for offering member rates to DST financial members. This will be particularly helpful in supporting our regional members to attend the occasional (or even regular!) networking or industry event in Hobart. Contact the hotels directly to take advantage of their generous offer.
(Subject to availability and blackout dates, terms and conditions apply.)
MEDIA AND MARKETING
Hobart & Beyond Blogs
Our marketing department (of one!) has been very busy blogging last month:
Electric Vehicle Travel in Southern Tasmania: Tassie is a superb EV travel destination with short distances between towns, mostly sealed roads and many day trips that are achievable in a single charge. This is a guide that covers EV hire companies, campervan operators, public charging infrastructure, and EV-friendly accommodation across Hobart and the key Southern Tasmania touring regions.
Dark Sky Week in Southern Tasmania: To celebrate International Dark Sky Week (13-20 April), we have published a guide for visitors and locals that contains everything you need to know, the global story of Dark Sky Week, the local action, and exactly where to go when the sun goes down. Image right: Jill Dayton
DST Media
If you follow Tasmania's local media outlets, you will know that DST works very closely with our media advisor Mark Thomas, to get media coverage of product launches, events and tourism industry stories, such as the Tasmanian Autumn Festival launch last week (video on the right →).
Don't forget that DST's financial members can access this media support for free, so please keep sending us your stories and news!
TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT
Unlock the Value of Accessible Tourism
Caravanning Tasmania has kindly extended an invitation to all Tasmanian tourism operators to attend a webinar with Kerry Williams – The Accessible Group, Founder and Director of Accessible Accommodation and Accessible Experiences.
On 8 April at 11:00am, you can simply access the webinar via the link below and join Kerry as she presents on:
The business case for accessible tourism
Examples of businesses exceeding basic accessibility standards, including experiences and accommodation, particularly holiday parks
Practical tips on where to start, including no-cost improvements, cost-effective amenities, and staged approaches
Why accessibility can be both beautiful and functional
An overview of the Accessible Tourism Accreditation Program (ATAP)
Inclusion training and the difference it makes in creating a genuinely welcoming guest experience
The TICT invites you to join guest presenter Hannah Statham, CEO and Founder of Media Mortar, for a practical look at what’s shaping tourism marketing in 2026. Cutting through the noise of trend reports, this session shares what’s working right now, what’s coming next, and how brands can adapt. You’ll gain clear, actionable ideas to refresh your marketing strategy and engage audiences in the year ahead.
The 2025 Tasmanian Agritourism Regulatory Review Report has been released, mapping the regulatory permits and approvals required to establish an agritourism business. The project focused on the end-to-end regulatory processes involved in establishing an agritourism business in Tasmania. The key outcome for operators is the delivery of the Tasmanian Agritourism Toolkitwhich tells you everything you need to know about Agritourism regulation in Tasmania. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to reach out to the Department of State Growth: tourismandhospitality@stategrowth.tas.gov.au.
Green is Our Gold
Join Tourism Australia's industry-wide commitment to sustainable tourism.
Green is Our Gold is Tourism Australia's shared vision for sustainable tourism that aims to inspire the protection of Australia’s natural wonders, vibrant cultures, and local communities. Tourism and business events organisations of all sizes are invited to get on board, and ensure Australia remains a destination unlike any other for generations to come.
The Green and Gold Promise is a formal commitment to this shared vision for sustainable tourism. Those who commit to the Promise are asked to embrace five Green and Gold Principles that guide responsible visitor behaviour and make for more sustainable tourism experiences.
eeger provides a national platform to connect businesses with passionate job seekers ready to grow their careers in tourism, hospitality and travel. You can list your job vacancies for FREE until the end of the financial year, so make the most of it while it lasts!
You can also access valuable resources to support workforce development and foster growth within your business through the eeger website.
The Derwent Valley and Central Highlands come alive in April with the Tasmanian Autumn Festival - a month-long celebration that throws a spotlight on the beauty and bounty of the season. The programs has an enormous variety of events, including dinners, lunches, markets, exhibitions, guided tours, workshops, trivia nights, performances and more!
Ratho Golf Weekends
Ratho Farm is celebrating the golf majors with a series of weekend packages timed with the US Masters, PGA Championship, US Open and the British Open. Each weekend includes Sunday golf, guest speakers and presentations, with the option to stay overnight for a dinner feast, refreshments and breakfast banquet before watching the final round LIVE on Monday morning.
For more events near you, visit our Events page on Hobart & Beyond.
POSITIVE IMPACT IN ACTION
Some inspiration
Positive impact is the one area where we all have licence to leverage off each other's genius, so here are a couple of ideas our team has come across in our travels recently which are simple but brilliant, and easily adaptable to your business.
One Less Thing
At the Destination Australia Conference in March, we were lucky enough to stay at 1 Hotels' first Australian hotel in Melbourne. The whole place is a masterclass in sustainable luxury, but one of their most simple initiatives is a plaque in every room (pictured right) that encourages over-packed visitors to leave a piece of clothing behind to be donated to a local charity partner.
Great2Go
Gastronomy Northern Tasmania is fighting food waste with its Great2Go campaign. The idea couldn't be more simple: the provision of 100% compostable containers at functions and events, along with a note of encouragement for guests to help themselves to leftovers. April 29 is World Food Waste day, so there is no better time to make some positive change to help reduce our methane emissions.
Recycle Rewards
Tasmania has returned over 100 million containers, in just 11 months since the container refund scheme launched May 2025. That's 10,000 times the height of Kunanyi/Mt Wellington! Coinciding with this incredible milestone is the launch of a Dashboard and Impact Calculator on the Recycle Rewards website, which
shows the environmental benefits of recycling 100 million drink containers. They include:
Carbon dioxide emission savings equivalent to taking 7,500 cars off the road for a year
Energy savings equivalent to powering 1,700 homes for a year
Water savings equivalent to 250 Olympic-sized swimming pools.
GRANTS & FUNDING
Urban Sustainability Grant
Grants of up to $15,000 are available for projects which:
increase resource recovery
reduce waste otherwise directed to landfill
promote energy efficiency
actively improve air and water quality improvements
support sustainable community food gardens and local biodiversity projects, and/or
support academic or community research into any of the above.
This program is available to schools, community groups and businesses, but be quick as applications close on 17 April 2026.
Hunting for grants and funding has never been easier, now that Business Tasmania has launched its new website with the Grants and Funding Finder. Click on the button below to explore!
