AUSTRALASIA – The new CEO of Tourism Tasmania, John Fitzgerald, has urged business and leisure visitors, worried about the recent bushfires that have ravaged parts of the Australian island state, to not cancel plans to visit.
In a statement he says it is business as usual for most of Tasmania and the areas severely affected by the bush fires are contained to a small proportion of the state. “While we have focused our concerns and communication over the weekend for the safety and well-being of our operators and visitors to the state, and will continue to provide relevant information through our own channels as well as the official government communication channels, we understand acutely the need to let people know that Tasmania is still open to visitors.”
He said that once the severe fire danger has abated Tourism Tasmania undertake a campaign in partnership with the Tourism Industry Council, the Regional Tourism Organisations and industry to let visitors know they should continue with their travel plans.
“Day one in the role, and my first update is understandably focused on what Tourism Tasmania is doing with regard to the current bushfire situation,” he says. “I would also like to share with you our plans to ensure the best outcomes for the future with regard to visitation and the impact the fires may have on our reputation and your business.”
Extreme heat and strong winds fuelled the bushfires in several areas of the island.
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