Talking Tourism Episode #57: COVID Special - Operators Reopening with RACT Destination's Andrew Paynter, and Blue Derby Pods, Tara Howell

With tourism businesses across the State gearing up for re-opening, initially for Tasmanian's, and soon for interstate visitors, we thought it would be insightful to hear the lived experience of re-opening for a couple of prominent tourism operators with very different types of businesses. 

Chief Operating Officer of RACT Destinations, Andrew Paynter, speaks on the first day of his businesses’ reopening about his team’s journey, why he believes his team is coming out of COVID-19 stronger and more connected and how the business is planning for a busy weekend ahead. RACT Destinations operate some of Tasmania's most iconic visitor experiences, including Freycinet Lodge, Strahan Village, Gordon River Cruises and the Cradle Mountain Hotel. 

Tara Howell is Director of Blue Derby Pods Ride, a premium mountain biking experience in Derby. Tara is the Convener of the new Tasmanian Mountain Biking Network, and was recently elected to the TICT Board. Tara talks through how she has expertly managed her marketing and social media during lock-down and is now welcoming Tasmanian's to her business over the next six weeks.