Image Credit: Champions of Tourism 2026 | Sanjog Photography

Words from our CEO

A strong team from the North led the support for Deloraine as it vied for Top (Small) Tourism Town at the National Awards in Parliament House this week. Although we didn’t come home with the win, we know that small towns in northern Tasmania continue to provide the sort of visitor experience that sees return visitation to our region and we couldn’t be prouder.

Closer to home in Hobart’s Parliament House last week, we were pleased to see the defeat of the proposed Short Stay Accommodation Bill. For a region that relies on short stay accommodation - especially in parts of our region when there is no alternative option - this levy would have made things very difficult for our operators and potentially led to visitors choosing alternatives to short stay accommodation.

It is truly AGM season across the region this month and I’d just like to acknowledge and celebrate the many small not-for-profit organisations that contribute so significantly to our visitor economy. From local tourism associations and business associations, to the likes of the Tamar Valley Wine Route and others, you are all valuable contributors to our tourism ecosystem and I thank you for your input.

Also this week, we celebrate the official opening of the new Small Wonder Cellar Door and Restaurant in the Tamar Valley. After graciously allowing us to host our Champions of Tourism event there last month - and what a night that was! - they are now ready to open to the public and I can guarantee that lunch in that beautiful building will impress you all.

Tracey Mallett

CEO | Visit Northern Tasmania | tracey@visitnorthtas.org.au

Image Credit: Champions of Tourism 2026 | Sanjog Photography

Celebrating Industry

It's been an exciting few weeks for Tasmania on the national awards stage. House of Arras was announced as 2027 Halliday Winery of the Year at the Halliday Wine Companion Awards, against some stiff competition.

Located in Piper's River, House of Arras have been crafting award-winning cool-climate wines since 1995. Explore their acclaimed wines & learn more below. 

At the Mumbrella Travel Marketing Awards in Sydney, Tourism Tasmania brought home two awards: Best Use of Content Marketing for Winternships, and Creative Excellence for the Off Season. The annual awards recognise the most innovative, creative and effective tourism marketing across Australia's travel sector.

Congratulations to both House of Arras and Tourism Tasmania. It’s always wonderful to see the passion, dedication, and hard work that drive our state recognised on the national stage.

Speaking of local excellence...

Royal Tasmanian Whisky & Spirits Awards Makes Its Mark in Debut Year

The inaugural Royal Tasmanian Whisky & Spirits Awards, a collaboration between the Royal Agricultural Society of Tasmania (RAST) and the TWSA, drew 248 entries from 44 exhibitors across whisky and spirits categories.

Among those, 160 entries were submitted in whisky alone, equalling the whisky entries received this year by the country's flagship spirits competition, the Melbourne Royal Australian International Spirits Awards, which has been running since 2015.

The evening's standout performer was LARK Distilling Co, whose Wilderness Collection: Sea 08 –Antarctica Edge claimed four awards. Three Cuts Gin, Captain Bligh's, McHenry Distillery, and Hellyers Road Distillery also received acclaim.

Industry Events, Workshops & Resources

Keep up to date with industry and market insights, connect with local businesses, and stay across visitor trends.

Tourism Australia's Industry Webinar series returns this Friday 18 September at 1:00pm AEST. Robin Mack (Managing Director) and Melinda Walters (General Manager of Digital and Marketing Operations) will unpack the insights and trends observed from key markets, and expand on the Marketing to Humans and Machines segment presented at recent Industry Briefings. 

TICT launches Australian-first program to help Tasmania’s tourism industry welcome EV travellers

Electric vehicle (EV) travel is rapidly becoming mainstream. In August 2026, fully electric vehicles accounted for 24.9% of new-vehicle sales in Australia - almost one in four vehicles sold.

EV Ready Tasmania helps tourism businesses get the whole visitor experience right. Whether you’re a hotel, visitor centre, winery or tour operator, this program will support you.

EV Ready Tasmania is free for Sustainable Tourism Accredited businesses and delivered through the Quality Tourism Framework portal.

Whether you already provide EV charging or simply want to better understand and support this growing visitor market, there’s a place for your business to start.

Industry Grants and Support

Visit Northern Tasmania's Industry Hub is a great resource when searching for grants or funding, but it is always helpful to have access to additional tools when searching for the right support for your business. Business Tasmania has come to the rescue with the Grant and Funding Finder – making it easier than ever to discover funding opportunities.

Discover resources, support and grant opportunities currently available for industry at the link below.

Some exciting recent additions to this page

Tasmanian Active Infrastructure Grants Program

Does your club need to upgrade or improve its facilities? There is $5 million in funding available through the Tasmanian Government’s Active Infrastructure Grants Program. The program supports sport and active recreation organisations to build new or upgrade existing infrastructure and help create better places for Tasmanians to get active.

Applications are open now, and close Mon 2 November 2026 at 2:00pm. 

Innovate with nbn Grants Program

Regional and remote businesses across Australia are encouraged to apply for the 2026 Innovate with nbn Grants Program, which recognises and supports businesses using digital technology to drive innovation, growth and positive community outcomes.

Seven category winners will each receive a $15,000 grant. In addition, one outstanding business will be awarded the 2026 Innovate with nbn Champion title and receive a $20,000 grant.

Applications are now open, with winners to be announced on Mon 16 November 2026.

Northern Midlands Council Grants and Event Funding

Northern Midlands Council is now inviting applications for Round 2 of the Community Assistance Program – Festivals and Events.

Community organisations and clubs can apply for financial or in-kind support for major festivals and events taking place within the Northern Midlands between 1 January and 30 June 2027.

Applications close Friday 2 October 2026

Help make our communities vibrant, connected and thriving. Apply today!

What's On - Major & New Events 

ATEC’s Meeting Place 2026 Conference | 26-28 Oct 2026

Conference and networking tickets for Meeting Place 2026 (MP26) are now available, providing another way to be part of ATEC’s flagship annual trade event in Hobart/nipaluna this October. 

Join 450+ delegates already registered and take part in the MP26 conference program, supplier sessions, Welcome Function, Happy Hour, Gala Celebration Dinner and Tourism Export Awards. 

For Buyers, Sellers and Service Providers already registered for MP26, all conference and networking components are already included in your registration package. 

Tasmanian Tourism Awards Gala | Fri 6 Nov 2026

Tickets Are Now On Sale!

The countdown is on to one of the biggest nights on Tasmania’s tourism calendar: the 2026 Tasmanian Tourism Awards Gala.

This year’s theme, Exceptional By Nature – Celebrating those who make our industry extraordinary, reflects what makes Tasmanian tourism so special. 

The Gala is a chance to come together with colleagues and friends from across Tasmania, celebrate the achievements of our finalists and winners, and enjoy a memorable night with the tourism community. 

Image Credit: Junction 2025 | Nick Hanson

From festivals and food events to sporting spectacles and community celebrations, Northern Tasmania’s spring and summer calendar is bursting with things to see and do—including Junction Arts Festival kicking off on Thursday.

Stay ahead of the crowd and never miss a thing with VNT’s What's On page.

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