1 3 Tourism
1.2.3 Tourism Promotion - 1880-1911
Tasmania experienced a steady rise in visitors over the final 20 years of the 19th Century. Influential figures in the north and south of the island realized the economic value of tourism, as locations were popularised by the growth of guide books and extension of the railways.
The Tasmanian Tourist Association
In 1889 the first of a number of associations promoting tourism was established _ (the Launceston City and Suburban improvement Association). This was followed in 1893 by the Tasmanian Tourist Association, whose main aim was to popularise key natural features especially Russell Falls, Mt Wellington and the Hartz Mountains (Morris, P.24-S). In 1899 the island became the first colony to use stamps to feature these scenic attractions. Using Beattie photos, Russell Falls and (Mt Wellington) were key views (Robson, P. 285).
Henry Dobson, lawyer, was founder/chairman of the ITA and at that time, premier of Tasmania, and later a state Senator. An avowed Federalist and Imperialist, Dobson was instrumental in persuading Thomas Cook to establish a travel agency in Tasmania which promoted scenic routes and coordinated visitor needs and accommodation for the first time. The ITA he hoped would soon be "making Tasmania the playground of Australia" (C.T., P 46). To this end, tracks and huts were installed by the Public Works Department under the ITA's direction, and trout released into streams and lakes.
Other main members of the ITA were P.S. Seagar, (SJreme Court Registrar and member of the Fisheries Commission, an expert on i'the introduction of trout into Tasmania), L. Rodway, (government botanist), J.W. Beattie (photographer), Rev. J. B. W. Woolnough (upper-class Anglican cleric who had recently purchased the Model Prison, Port Arthur, with the intention of converting it to a "motel").
The Railway and Tourist Departments
Although a private body, the ITA was government-subsidised and caused friction by promoting motor excursions (Le. for the wealthy) to the detriment of the general public and the government-run railway system. In financial chaos in 1911, the government took over the ITA and control of tourist administration "finally committing itself .... to the principle of fostering tourism for the sake of increased railway revenue and other indirect financial benefits to the state" (Mosley thesis, P. 37). The new tourist department began life as a subsidiary of the Railways Department, and was put in charge of a young, capable clerk, T.E. Emmett who later became secretary of the National Park Board. The foundation of scenic reserves and National Parks was, in hindsight, a logical progression.