Join us on Hobart's waterfront as we head to the University of Tasmania's facility that is internationally recognised for excellence in marine and Antarctic research. We will hear from the team at the Handfish Conservation Project; a passion of the DST team and cause that many of you have generously contributed to throughout the year. We will then enjoy drinks and nibbles on board Tasmanian Wild Seafood Adventures that will be docked along side the pier.
We are able to deliver Tips and Tipples events to our members free of charge as part of their membership benefits package, however, if you are not a partner or financial member of DST and would like to come, please contact us. Please let us know if you have any specific access requirements.
Save the date - DST Xmas drinks
Thursday 5th December |DoubleTree by Hilton Hobart |4.30-6.30pm
Mark the date in your calendar as we are headed to Hobart's newest hotel offering, DoubleTree by Hilton Hobart. As part of our commitment to Positive Impact and to positively contribute to the community, DST is proud to support the Joy Drive by the Hobart City Mission this Christmas season. We're calling on our members to help bring joy to struggling Tasmanian families.
We are collecting food (think pantry staples and life necessities), unwrapped presents and gift cards (up to $30 in value) for children aged 0-16 years. You can drop off donations at the November Tips and Tipples as well as the DST Christmas Drinks. If you can’t attend either of these events, we will also be collecting donations at the DST office from the 2nd- 6th December.
Boost your self-drive touring experience with Take A Local fascinating insights, stories, local tips and turn by turn directions all played automatically, based on your GPS location. → Learn More
The Australian Wooden Boat Festival is Tasmania’s largest free event and the largest celebration of wooden boats and maritime culture in the Southern Hemisphere. Founded in 1994, the four-day festival is held biennially in Hobart, spanning the entire waterfront and feeding into the city beyond. The event runs 7 -10 February 2025.
As part of Australasia’s largest general insurance broker network, Steadfast Taswide's scale and market-leading innovation strengthen their position to secure the best insurance solutions for businesses a competitive price.
Share Your News with DST
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.
POSITIVE IMPACT IN ACTION
A Model of Sustainable Hospitality
Sanctum Boutique Apartments integrates positive impact through a robust Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) framework that emphasises environmental sustainability, social engagement, and responsible governance. To minimise environmental impact, Sanctum has invested in energy-efficient technologies, such as LED lighting, thermal acoustic glass, and a high-efficiency heat pump system. Sanctum are currently working to install solar panels and EV charging stations, furthering its carbon reduction efforts in line with the Tourism Industry Council of Tasmania’s (TICT) Net Zero program. Additionally, the apartment collaborates with Drive Car Hire to offer guests EV rentals, promoting sustainable transportation options.
In their social and community efforts, Sanctum partners with local artisans and vendors to support the local economy while showcasing Tasmanian talent and produce. The apartments provide free accommodation for vulnerable groups through partnerships with foundations such as OTIS and Make-a-Wish. Sanctum’s governance practices include strict anti-discrimination policies and LGBTQIA+ accreditation, underscoring its commitment to ethical and inclusive operations. → Discover more
Invitation to participate
The Tasmanian Government is creating a shared long-term community vision for kunanyi/Mount Wellington and the broader Wellington Park through a strategic review. The formal community consultation period is now open until 4 December 2024. It is an important opportunity for everyone to have their say to help develop a plan for Our Mountain's Future.
Tourism Tasmania will be holding a series of workshops in November to provide tourism operators with information and advice on enhancing their winter offerings for next year.
Workshops will provide an overview of the Off Season 2025 campaign, offer support and ideas, and tips on how to leverage participation in the Off Season using websites and social media.
Dunalley Dunalley Community Hall Monday 4 Nov 2024 2pm - 5pm Register here
Hobart Salamanca Inn Monday 4 Nov 2024 10am - 1pm Register here
Over 800 industry representatives celebrated at the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens last night as the winners across 40 categories were announced in the THA's annual Awards for Excellence. Peppina Restaurant triumphed, winning Metro Restaurant of the Year, Best Restaurant in a Hotel or Accommodation Venue, Best Contemporary Dining and Best Wine List of the Year. Crowne Plaza’s Phoebe Ray was named Hospitality Industry Rising Star. Congratulations to all winners especially to DST members:
Accommodation Venue of the Year – Metro: The Tasman, A Luxury Collection Hotel
Outstanding Contribution to your Local Community: The Old Woolstore Apartment Hotel
Excellence in Innovation, Sustainability & Energy Efficiency Practices: Crowne Plaza Hobart
Best Bar Experience: Mary Mary
Best Live Music or Entertainment Venue (Large Capacity): Wrest Point Hotel Casino
Best Hospitality Experience: Tasmanian Wild Seafood Adventures
Best new or Redeveloped Hospitality Venue: Callington Mill Distillery
Hospo Health Individual Award: Maria Laverde (Iron Creek Bay Estate)
Women in Leadership Diversity and Inclusion Award: RACV Hobart Hotel
Best Budget Style Accommodation (up to 3 stars): Iron Creek Bay Estate
Best Mid-Range Style Accommodation (3-3.5 stars): Ibis Styles Hotel
Best Deluxe Accommodation (5+ stars): Saffire Freycinet & The Tasman, A Luxury Collection Hotel
Disability & Inclusion Access Award (Accommodation Venue): MACq01 Hotel
Tasmanian Tourism Awards Gala
Shoot for the Stars | Friday 8th November, Tasman Room, Wrest Point
The night is all about highlighting the outstanding tourism operators who have entered the Awards and recognising their efforts to always strive for excellence – the ‘Shoot for the Stars’ mindset.
The arrival of the Crown Princess into Hobart on Monday signalled the start of the 2024/25 cruise ship season. If you missed our annual cruise briefing event, you can view the presentation here along with the Working With Cruise guide.
A national economic impact assessment from the Cruise Lines International Association and the Australian Cruise Association shows Australia's cruise economy has been driven by significant increases in passenger spending and cruise line outlays.
The assessment found that the value of cruise tourism in Australia reached a record high, generating $8.43 billion for the national economy and supporting more than 26,000 jobs around the country.
Tourism Tasmania have also released data and insights from the Cruise Passenger Survey conducted during the 2023/24 season. → View Guide
Last week the Premier shared an update on the Spirit of Tasmania vessels and berthing infrastructure. →Learn More
How tourism can play a role in Tasmania’s low emissions future
Tuesday 19 November | 5:30pm - 8pm | AURA, Crowne Plaza Hobart
TICT members and accredited tourism operators are invited to join the Tourism Industry Council Tasmania (TICT) for an important conversation around Tasmania's place and role in a de-carbonising world, and tourism's potential in this shift.
The evening will bring together industry professionals and thought leaders to explore tourism's potential for tackling emissions reduction through industry-led change. → Book Here
Tourism Australia Industry Briefing & Networking
Thursday 14th November| Hobart Function Centre| 4pm - 7pm
Join the team from Tourism Australia as they share industry updates and an opportunity to network with colleagues and industry peers. → Register here
Brand Tasmania Resources
Did you know that becoming a Tasmanian Partner is free and provides you with access a fantastic asset toolkit and a range of informative workshops?
Southern Tasmania has an incredible line-up of markets and events over the coming month. These events drive strong visitation from local and interstate visitors, so to help you get a piece of the action, visit Hobart & Beyond's
Intensive skills training during September/October school holidays
Fancy yourself as a cocktail mixing pro? Or a guiding guru for the upcoming cruise season? Register for intensive training to develop a range of skills and knowledge including;
Access your FREE 4 hours coaching with a digital expert
before 31 December
Spring is the perfect time to review your businesses online presence and develop a strategy to drive sales. The Digital Ready Program offers one-on-one coaching with an expert either face to face or over Zoom.
Topics can include anything regarding getting your business online such as; websites, e-commerce, booking systems, social media, SEO, content, advertising, online tools, Google My business, strategy and much more.
The best part, the program is fully subsidised by the Tasmanian Government
Grants of up to $5,000 are available for eligible hospitality businesses to invest in activities that will attract visitors to their regions, and/or assist in business growth, transition, recovery from unexpected events, innovation, or diversification.
Touring grants of up to $20,000 are available to eligible organisers of touring activities that are held between March and November (inclusive) that attract more than 40 people to Tasmania, who stay in paid commercial accommodation for five nights or more and spend 40 per cent or more of the touring activity in regional areas (outside Greater Hobart).
Championships grants of up to $10,000 are available to eligible organisers of competitions, championships and sporting events that bring more than 100 competitors and supporters to Tasmania, who stay for three nights or more and promote pre- and post-championship travel within the state as part of their event marketing.
The $50 million Regional Tourism Development Loan Scheme is now open for applications. The scheme is available to promote investment in tourism products and experiences that stimulate regional tourism and dispersal in Tasmania. The scheme will open for applications until 2pm, 30 June 2026 or until all funding has been utilised, whichever occurs first.
This grant program aims to help Aboriginal people in tourism and hospitality participate in professional development opportunities, including conferences, workshops, training courses and trade shows. Funding can be requested for up to four (4) Aboriginal employees or organisation members to participate in development opportunities. These opportunities must take place between 1 August 2024 and 30 June 2025.
Through the support of the Tasmanian Government, the TICT is supporting tourism businesses in reducing their emissions by matching eligible tourism operators with one of two programs over 2023 and 2024.
The Scheme will provide no-interest loans of between $500 and $10,000 over three years to eligible households, residential landlords, small businesses and community organisations to fund investment in energy-efficient products.
