Image Credit: Island Escape Festival 2026 | Sileo Media

Words from our CEO

Firstly, a personal thank you from me for the huge outpouring of support I have received from so many of you across the industry after the recent passing of my husband. It just highlights what a caring, collaborative industry we work in and I have truly felt supported by every message and hug.

Back to business, the northern events calendar continues to sustain visitation during the off season. The new Island Escape music festival was a huge boost for Launceston on the same weekend as an AFL match. Almost 15,000 attended Island Escape so congratulations to the team from BeerFest for putting on such an amazing event. Since then, we’ve had more AFL, the Tassie Scallop Fiesta on a gloriously sunny day in Bridport, the DanceSport Championships and more – all bringing people to the region and filling hotel rooms and hospitality venues. Events bring 1 in 6 people to Tasmania, but once they’re here, they plan their return visit and that is the strength.

Last month, we farewelled Fiona Sturman from the team after four years with VNT. Her marketing expertise will be missed but we wish her all the best in her new role closer to home on the NW coast. This week, we welcomed Amelia Bayes to the team for the next four or so months. Amelia is completing her marketing studies at UTAS and will help us out 2 days a week until she graduates.

We look forward to celebrating with many of you at our sold-out Champions of Tourism event at the brand new cellar door/restaurant at Small Wonder. If you missed out on tickets, you will be able to check out the venue yourself from September.

Tracey Mallett

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

Image Credit: Island Escape Festival 2026 | Nick H. Visuals

Celebrating Industry

VNT was proud to sponsor the Excellence in Tourism & Hospitality category at the Launceston Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence awards last Saturday night. From a strong pool of finalists who all contribute well to our industry, it was exciting to present the award to Tatler Lane by Sweetbrew. Congratulations to Archana, Tim, and the team for this recognition!

Industry Events, Workshops & Resources

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

ATEC Meeting Place Famil Program

ATEC are seeking tourism operators across Tasmania to be part of a famil program for travel buyers attending ATEC Meeting Place 2026 in Hobart this October.

If you offer accommodation, tour, experience, transport, or food and beverage experiences, you could be included in a series of curated itineraries designed to immerse international consumers in Tasmania’s offerings.

Maintaining Momentum for Tasmania’s Visitor Economy

Tourism Tasmania released two plans that will shape Tasmania's visitor economy for the next four years: Action Plan to 2030 and Beyond, and a new Cruise Shipping Action Plan.

Find out more about the road ahead for Tasmania’s tourism industry.

Spirit of Tasmania's Flavours of Tassie 2026

Flavours of Tassie is a unique opportunity for Tasmanian producers to showcase their gourmet food and beverages to a broad and engaged audience. This is an exciting chance for Tasmanian makers of food, beverages, preserves, spirits, beer and wine to let travellers taste, discover, and connect with what makes this state so special.

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.

Tourism Tasmania Industry Hub

Whether you're exploring the idea of starting a tourism business or you've been part of the industry for years, this is your starting point for tools, resources and support on offer.

Tasmania's tourism industry is built on collaboration. Everything here is organised to meet you where you are, from your first steps in tourism through to leadership and contribution at an industry level.

What's On - Major & New Events 

Unwind Wellness Festival | 13-23 Aug

Hosted by Launceston Central, Unwind is a celebration of Launceston's wellness sector featuring 40+ events to choose from. Whether you're craving movement, mindfulness, creativity or connection, Unwind is your excuse to step away from the rush, breathe deeply and embrace Launceston's cool-season magic.

AFLW Match at UTAS Stadium | 29 Aug

The North Melbourne Kangaroos are coming to Launceston to host the Western Bulldogs for AFLW Indigenous Round. Be there to see the back-to-back premiers celebrate this special cultural round in-person.

Junction Arts Festival | 17-20 Sep

Junction Arts Festival is Northern Tasmania’s premier multi-arts festival, transforming Launceston’s unique spaces into extraordinary creative experiences each spring.

Discover and participate in exciting art and music experiences that you'll never forget. Explore the extraordinary architecture of Launceston, feast on lavish Tassie food and taste the finest spirits, wine and local brews.

Australian Transplant Games | 26 Sep-3 Oct

The Australian Transplant Games are unlike any other event – uniting donors, recipients, families, and supporters in a powerful celebration of life, community and resilience.

The Games are heading to Launceston in 2026, marking the first time in its 40 years history the event will be held in Tasmania. 

Volunteer registrations are also now open. Whether you can spare a few hours or the whole week, there's a role for you.

Tamar Valley Writers Festival | 15-19 Oct

The 2026 Tamar Valley Writers Festival celebrates the art of storytelling in all its forms with its 2026 theme ‘Feed the Soul’. In partnership with the University of Tasmania, the valley will host an event filled with insightful panels, engaging workshops, and special appearances by renowned authors, including celebrated food writer and television cook Nigella Lawson.

Image Credit: Low Head Pilot Station Maritime Museum | Sean Scott Photography