“the tourism industry is 10,000 people strong and Ken Bacon should be taken away from it” [Rene Hidding, 18/3/05]
During the public and parliamentary debate over lame duck Tourism Minister Ken Bacon, Rene Hidding has managed to lay a couple of rare gloves on the embattled Tasmanian Government.
But I’m wondering what the Tourism industry thinks of Rene’s repeated claims that their industry is “10,000 people strong”. Ten thousand Rene? I think you’ll find that’s the oft-repeated but still unproven forest industry job figure.
In fact, Tasmania’s tourism industry added 4000 new employees alone in 2003 and in 2004 the industry directly employed 24,000 people.
Note the “directly” – no bullshit “indirect” job numbers here – all of those people are employed solely in Tasmania’s tourism industry. For those interested (I’m not), the indirect employment figure is 16,000.
Maybe the Tourism Council could add Rene to the list of those requiring extra briefings on the ins-and-outs of the tourism industry. I reckon Tourism Minister Bacon would enjoy the company.
Dave Groves
March 27, 2005 at 02:00
Gidday Jason.
Well said.
I know the way forward for Tasmania lies in its unparalleled beauty, isolation, produce and warm, honest people.
Tourists, I feel I am one of them, flock here for these reasons. Their numbers have been strong of late due to the cheap air fares and difficult times outside of Australia. Most are on tight budgets and schedules, so air travel, car hire, B&Bs, produce tours, forest and river experiences are high on the agenda.
Our excellent tourist visitor information centres have picked up the ball and are working with the tourist businesses to help grow this vital area of Tasmania’s economy. I have personally seen the results of this marvellous work.
Once visitors “taste†this place they will spread the word and success for Tasmania will continue to grow.
But Tasmania has been dealt a card from under the table that endangers our winning hand.
The overwhelming negative impact of the industrialisation of Tasmania is a heavy burden that hangs like a tumour on a devil’s face.
The badly hidden truth of how Tasmania’s rapid and unbridled destruction is being witnessed by the very visitors who support our clean and green image.
They are hearing about Tasmania “The pristine state†and seeing Tasmania, “The industrial sewerâ€.
We need to fight to save this magical place, the time is now. Tell your friends, your colleagues, show them the truth.
Remove the blinkers that have been on for too many years, ask the questions and look for straight answers. Accept only the truth, not deception and deviation.
The time has at last come for permanent change in our magnificent state.
Listen to those who speak with love, not those who have a vested financial interest or are driven by the lust for power and domination.
When these vexatious intruders are driven from this place, Tasmania will be all it should.
Dave Groves
March 30, 2005 at 01:22
Gidday Geoff.
The answer to your first question is no.
Regarding the statement about my roadshow, no one said you had to get on although it is interesting that something within my letter strikes such a chord.
Sorry I can’t be of more help to you, but wish you well none the less.
Cheers,
Dave