³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾

Sarah Courtney,Minister for Tourism, Hospitality and Events

Preparations are underway on Hobart’s waterfront ahead of the much anticipated Taste of Summer festival, which will be held from the 28th of December to the 3rd of January.

Tasmania produces some of the best food and beverage in the world, and this event is a fantastic platform to showcase a wide range of Tassie producers in the one place at the one time.

Getting out on the waterfront over the holiday period is an iconic part of Tasmania’s summer calendar, and the Taste of Summer will be a festival for Tasmanians to enjoy while also supporting our visitor economy.

We’re so pleased to support the Taste of Summer with a contribution of $1.4 million with every dollar invested in the event generating significant economic activity for businesses right around Tasmania.

With just over one week until Tasmania’s borders will reopen to the rest of Australia, we are well prepared and have worked hard to ensure there are appropriate safeguards in place.

We have a strong, sensible plan which will help keep Tasmanians safe while allowing our tourism and events sector to thrive once again.

I would like to thank the tourism, hospitality and events sector who have remained strong while facing a difficult 20 months due to the challenges of COVID-19.

I also share in their excitement of our borders reopening on December 15, and welcoming visitors and tourists back to our world class businesses.

Businesses have been encouraged to review their COVID Safety Plans, which outline how they will comply with the minimum standards for managing the risks of COVID.

Depending on the size of the business and whether it is a high risk setting, they may also need a Case and Outbreak Management Plan.

I urge businesses to look at their plans and update their risk assessment to determine their position in respect to vaccination, mask wearing and social distancing controls.