WxNW REGIONAL TOURISM FORUM PROGRAM
Registrations open
Understanding Changing Visitor Demand
Sarah Kingston Clark, CEO, Tourism Tasmania
An overview of the latest insights into who is visiting Tasmania, how they are travelling, and what is shaping demand. This session will also outline Tourism Tasmania’s priorities and areas of focus for the year ahead.
Australia's Tourism Direction: A National Perspective
Speaker TBC, Tourism Australia
How Tasmania fits within the broader picture. Understand where Tasmania sits in the national tourism landscape, including emerging trends, competitive strengths and opportunities to better align with national priorities.
Building a Stronger, More Sustainable Tourism Industry
Amy Hills, CEO, Tourism Industry Council of Tasmania
An update about the priority advocacy priorities for Tasmanian tourism including emerging opportunities and challenges. This address will also detail the critical role the region will play in Tasmania's tourism future, which is at a critical moment in time.
Building a Stronger, More Sustainable Tourism Industry
Host: Amy Hills, CEO, Tourism Industry Council of Tasmania
Panelists: Grant Langworthy, Spreyton
Daniel Leesong, Anvers
Jacinta Young, Risby Cove
3 operators who’ve taken risks or pivoted: What they saw. What nearly stopped them. What happened next. Honest, relatable stories from local operators who’ve made bold decisions. Learn what gave them the confidence to act, what they learned along the way, and what it could mean for your own business.
Afternoon Tea
For discussion during the break: What opportunities are you noticing in your own work or business? A chance to connect with others, share ideas and reflect on what you’ve heard so far, often where some of the most valuable insights emerge.
Your Website's Audience is a Robot
Martin Anderson, Director, Ionata
How AI search is creating new opportunity for tourism operators. Discover how AI is changing the way visitors find and choose experiences online. You’ll walk away with simple, practical ways to make your business more visible in this new search landscape.
Looking Ahead: The Role of Spirit of Tasmania
Tom Wootton, General Manager, Spirit of Tasmania
What increased access may mean for the region. Understand how the new ships could influence visitor behaviour and business demand; and what you can do to prepare.
Making the Most of Future Growth
Host: Tom Wootton, General Manager, Spirit of Tasmania
Panelists: Larni Davies, Tourism Industry Council Tasmania
Lincoln Quilliam, DIVERGE Skyruns
Monica Armesto, Tourism Tasmania
Exploring how new demand drivers can benefit our region. A forward-looking discussion on how to turn events, RV market and international visitors into real benefits for local businesses. Expect practical ideas on collaboration, dispersal and capturing more value from visitors.
KEYNOTE - Thinking Bigger from a Regional Base
Refections on Leadership, Place and Backing Long-Term Ideas
Nick Haddow, Bruny Island Cheese and Beer Co. and Haddow& Dineen
An inspiring perspective on what it takes to build something meaningful from a regional base. This session will challenge you to think longer-term and consider what bold moves might look like in your own context.
Nick will also share candid insights into the realities behind growth - what it takes to stay the course, make difficult decisions, and build something of lasting value over time.
One Opportunity I'm Taking This Year and Final Close
Sam Denmead, Acting CEO, WxNW
A moment to reflect on what you might take forward. A simple but powerful pause to turn ideas into action you can apply to your business in the next 12 months.
Opportunity isn’t something we wait for. It’s something we choose. A closing reflection that brings the day together and reinforces the role each of us plays in shaping the future of tourism in our region.
Forum Concludes
WxNW Cocktail Party
While the forum may be drawing to a close, the day will be far from over. Join us for our annual WxNW Cocktail Party - this year just across the square at Island State Brewing Co.
This event is always a highlight, bringing the industry together to connect, unwind, celebrate, and continue the conversation about the future of our region and state.
A little more info...
Across the West and North West, a new wave of opportunity is taking shape. This forum invites you to step back, consider what’s unfolding, and how you might respond. The WxNW Regional Tourism Forum brings the industry together to explore where the visitor economy is heading and what that means for our region.
Through a mix of insight, real stories and practical ideas, the afternoon is designed to leave you informed, connected and better equipped to recognise and respond to the opportunities ahead. Whether you’re running a tourism business, supporting visitors, or exploring a future in the industry, this is a space to listen, learn and connect.
You’ll leave with:
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A clearer understanding of emerging visitor trends and their relevance to our region
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Practical ideas you can adapt to your own business or role
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Insight from local operators who have navigated change
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Time to connect, reflect and consider what opportunity looks like for you
Who should attend:
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Tourism operators (all sizes)
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Hospitality and experience providers
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Visitor centre staff and volunteers
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Students entering the industry
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Local and state government