On behalf of East Coast Tasmania Tourism, Tourism Tasmania and Tourism Industry Council Tasmania, we invite you to take a few minutes to complete our latest Industry Pulse Check.
We’re keen to hear how the current global situation, particularly rising fuel costs, is affecting your business, whether through challenges or new opportunities.
This short, optional survey will take less than five minutes, and your input will help inform tourism leaders and government on the impacts being felt across the industry. If you’d prefer, you’re also welcome to share your insights directly via ceo@eastcoasttasmania.com.au.
A reminder that Tourism Tasmania is hosting an Industry Update in St Helens, sharing the latest tourism trends and updates on strategy and marketing activity.
The session will also feature a panel discussion on how AI and emerging technology are reshaping the tourism landscape, followed by an opportunity to network with industry peers, the Tourism Tasmania team and regional tourism organisations over drinks and nibbles.
There is also an Online Session available for those who cannot attend in person; Friday, Apr 17th, 11 am to 12 pm.
With Easter and Anzac Day approaching, now is the time to review your trading arrangements and make sure you understand any impacts on your business. As requirements can vary depending on your business type and location, we strongly encourage operators to seek advice directly from the appropriate sources to ensure you’re working with the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Key reminders:
Anzac Day trading: Under the Anzac Day Observance Act 1929, most shops must not open before 12:30pm on 25 April. Some businesses are exempt (such as cafes and pharmacies), while others may need to apply; applications for 2026 close at 5:00pm, Friday 10 April
Easter Public Holidays: Monday 6 April & Tuesday 7 April
Employee entitlements and support: Public holiday pay rates, leave arrangements and workplace obligations can differ, so check the Fair Work Ombudsman website or contact Business Tasmania for free, practical advice
Taking a few minutes now to confirm your obligations will help you avoid issues and confidently prepare for a busy holiday period.
Unlock the Value of Accessible Tourism
Webinar Invitation
Photo Credit: Tourism Tasmania
Tourism operators across the East Coast are invited to join an upcoming webinar focused on the growing opportunity of accessible tourism.
Hosted by Accessible Group and presented by Kerry Williams, this session will share practical insights to help you better cater to travellers with accessibility needs.
Accessible tourism goes beyond compliance, it’s about creating inclusive, welcoming experiences for all guests. Businesses that embrace accessibility often benefit from increased bookings, longer stays, and stronger guest satisfaction, while opening their doors to a wider market.
The webinar will cover the business case for accessibility, real-world examples, and simple, cost-effective ways to get started, along with an overview of accreditation and inclusion training.
Event details: 📅 Date: 8 April ⏰ Time: 11:00am – 12:00pm 🔗 Link: Watch here
Building on previous programs and shaped by industry feedback, this four-part live series goes beyond theory, equipping participants with real tools to improve efficiency, strengthen customer engagement, and enhance overall business performance. Sessions commence in April.
If you’d like a preview before committing, ATEC is also offering a short Tourism Tutorial: AI Updates for Tourism Operators on 2 April (11:00am AEDT), presented by Christian Watts and facilitated by Jessica Keen. This session will explore the latest in AI and where it can deliver immediate value for your business.
ATEC members can join the tutorial for free, with non-member tickets also available.
A great opportunity for East Coast operators to build confidence with AI and stay ahead in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.
2026 Small Business Perspectives Survey
The Council of Small Business Organisations Australia (COSBOA) has opened its 2026 Small Business Perspectives Survey, focusing on the real experiences of businesses operating outside capital cities. COSBOA is Australia’s peak body dedicated exclusively to representing small business interests, advocating for better policy, reduced regulatory burden, and stronger support for the sector.
If you run a small business in regional, rural or remote Tasmania, this is a valuable opportunity to share your experience and help shape the policies that affect you.
The survey takes around 20 minutes to complete, is confidential, and is open until Thursday 30 April 2026. Insights gathered will be used to inform government decision-making and ensure the realities of running a small business in regional areas are better understood, so we encourage you to take part and make your voice count.
Update Events on ATDW
The Australian Tourism Data Warehouse (ATDW) is Australia’s central digital platform for tourism, connecting businesses with distributors and travellers so your experience can be seen and booked more widely.
It plays a key role in ensuring every operator has the opportunity to showcase what they offer and reach new audiences.
Keeping your ATDW listing up to date is one of the simplest and most effective ways to boost your visibility, improve your digital presence, and attract more visitors to the East Coast.
To support you, East Coast Tasmania Tourism has developed a range of practical guides and resources to help you get the most out of your listing—from writing compelling descriptions to selecting the right images and categories.
Whether you’re new to ATDW or looking to refine your existing listing, these tools are designed to make the process easy and effective. Contact Sally for assistance with creating your profile, making upgrades or adding events; sally@eastcoasttasmania.com.au
Held in the heart of Swansea, the event welcomes all kinds of vehicles, restored or otherwise, to show and shine, with gates opening from 7am. With plenty to see and do, including activities for all ages, raffles supporting Freycinet Volunteer Marine Rescue, and a vibrant community atmosphere, it’s set to be a highlight of the long weekend.
The festivities continue on Easter Sunday at Craigie Knowe Vineyard with an Easter egg hunt and Music in the Vines, plus camping available at Camp Craigie for those wanting to make a weekend of it. With fantastic weather forecast, it’s the perfect time to get out and enjoy everything the East Coast has to offer.
What's on
There's so many great events, markets, live music, classes and activities to get involved with on the East Coast.
To see the whole schedule for this year and beyond
There are a number of industry grants and funding opportunities now available to help support your business visit the website
The Tasmanian tourism industry acknowledges the Tasmanian Aboriginal people and their enduring custodianship of lutruwita / Tasmania. We honour 40,000 years of uninterrupted care, protection and belonging to these islands, before the invasion and colonisation of European settlement. As a tourism industry that welcomes visitors to these lands, we acknowledge our responsibility to represent to our visitors Tasmania’s deep and complex history, fully, respectfully and truthfully. We acknowledge the Aboriginal people who continue to care for this country today. We pay our respects to their elders, past and present. We honour their stories, songs, art, and culture, and their aspirations for the future of their people and these lands. We respectfully ask that tourism be a part of that future.
East Coast Tasmania Tourism Inc, PO Box 115, Bicheno, Tasmania 7215, Australia
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