New map for Tasmania wine tourism

The 2013 edition of the popular Tasmanian Wine Routes wine tourism guide is being launched in Launceston.

Now in it’s sixth edition, the publication showcases 70 of the apple isle’s wine producers, along with other complementary tourism businesses. A second launch is planned for the guide in Hobart tomorrow night.

Tourism is an important revenue generator for many of Tasmania’s boutique-sized wineries. Sheralee Davies CEO Wine Tasmania commented, “The vast majority of Tasmania’s 160 licensed wine producers only sell their wine within Tasmania, whilst local sales are also very important for those selling wines off-island. Wine Tasmania is therefore very focused on encouraging wine tourism and partnering with complementary businesses and organisations to promote the overall Tasmanian experience.”

The guide also contains a calendar of wine-related events for the 2012-2013 summer through to autumn and winter 2013 to encourage further tourism into the state.

“Visitor statistics indicate that close to one in five of all tourists will call in to a cellar door or vineyard during their stay, and wine and food ranks highly in motivating people to visit Tasmania,” said Davies.

The print version of the guide is available free of charge at cellar door outlets and key visitor information centres, and there is also a digital version that can be accessed through the Wine Tasmania website. The digital version is being upgraded this year to enhance access and interactivity through mobile phones and tablets. The state-wide touring guide reaches more than 250,000 people annually.