Latrobe and Port Sorell Local Tourism Association
Was developed in support of establishing a local organisation that could represent industry and businesses in and around Latrobe and Port Sorell, to take advantage of opportunities to source funds, influence local and state government through a representative tourism industry body.
An inaugural meeting was held on July 9, 2008 with local businesses and office bearers were appointed on August 5, 2008 for Latrobe and Port Sorell Tourism Association (hereafter referred to as “LaPSTA”).
The executive committee of LaPSTA consists of a President, Vice-president, Secretary and Treasurer, Public Officer and committee members. LaPSTA were incorporated in October 2008, and have a guiding constitution.
LaPSTA Inc meets eight times per annum on the first Tuesday of the month at various venues, which are confirmed in the minutes and agendas. During the remaining four months networking functions/workshops are held for members.
2010 AGM was held on Tuesday, 5th October 2010 at Ghost Rock Vineyard, 1055 Port Sorell main road, Northdown (Port Sorell) at 6pm. New Office Bearers were appointed.
Enquiries to the secretary tourism@latrobe.tas.gov.au or 03 6421 4650
What is Latrobe and Port Sorell Tourism Association (LaPSTA inc) ?
Our Vision is:
To build a strong business sector who acknowledges tourism as a significant component of their business, and encourages, supports and facilitates active participation in building a strong destination.
Our Mission is:
Build awareness and share the vision of LAPSTA Inc through the development of business relationships and maximising of resources by:
1 Encouraging contribution to economic growth that provides financial returns and job creation.
2 Encouraging by supporting development of tourism product that is consistent with the values of Latrobe and Port Sorell community, environment and the region.
Latrobe and Port Sorell Tourism Association Objectives:
To establish LAPSTA inc as the primary contact point for new or existing business to source industry information and support within the Latrobe Municipality
The basic objectives of the association are to;
1. Develop and improve communication between industry stakeholders with consistent management strategies.
2. Identify needs and opportunities for development of Infrastructure, New Product and Access that encourage recreational activities.
3. Improve and develop service delivery within the Latrobe Municipality to ensure our customers – current and most profitable prospects – have the best possible visitor/consumer experience.
4. Market and Promote Latrobe Municipality through targeted and innovative strategies that are consistent with other levels of government planning.
5. Engage local tourism operators and the community on tourism growth and association development opportunities.
What does the Latrobe and Port Sorell Tourism Association do?
The tourism market is fickle and the only way to ensure the region continues to see growth is through a strong destination marketing organisation.
Latrobe Council endorse the Latrobe and Port Sorell Tourism Association. We work closely with them to ensure a unified and cost effective approach to marketing is undertaken.
LaPSTA Inc, as a single voice for the region, is able to join with other groups, such as Devonport and Cradle Country Marketing Group, Zone Marketing Groups and Tourism Tasmania to access worldwide markets, through marketing and advertising initiatives and a collaborative approach.
Printing of the Latrobe and Port Sorell Hub Map is a joint initiative, between LaPSTA Inc and Latrobe Council.
LaPSTA Inc assists with communications and promotional activities with the many local festivals and special events with marketing to ensure they enjoy increasing success.
Working alongside the Devonport and Cradle Country marketing group, in collaboration with Spirit of Tasmania, operators are able to have a presence at consumer shows each year, plus ensuring the region is represented at other shows through our partnerships.
Latrobe Council invests $100, 000 into Tourism for the Latrobe and Port Sorell area per annum.
With the D&CCMG partneship a further $45k is spent on destination marketing for the region, including Latrobe, Port Sorell and surrounds.
D &CCMG produces the only Official Visitors Guide for the region. In 2010- 50,000 copies were printed and distributed through shows, response to advertising, response to website inquiries, Latrobe, Devonport, Ulverstone, Sheffield and state wide Visitor Information Centres and through our members.
LaPSTA inc operates a comprehensive travel website for the region.
www.latrobetasmania.com.au and Devonport and Cradle Country Marketing Group develop, manage and maintain www.cradlecountry.com.au
How do you join the Latrobe and Port Sorell Tourism Association?
Membership of Latrobe and Port Sorell Tourism Association gives you access to a whole host of cost-savings, marketing opportunities, business development support and professional advice. In return it gives us the funds and the power to lobby on your behalf.
For the past 2 years LaPSTA Inc has been the leading association representing the interests of tourism and associated businesses across the Latrobe and surrounding areas. The combined voice of businesses and industry professionals means we can command attention and respect, both with government and with local and regional bodies, when we lobby on industry issues.
By becoming a member you will be showing your commitment to the future of tourism and growth in the region, helping us to promote our unique assets and drive forward the tourism industry so that it thrives.
INTRODUCING NEW MEMBERSHIP PACKAGES FOR 2010/11
We’ve decided to simplify our membership scheme this year with the launch of new membership packages with real benefits. You now have the choice of joining as either a Full Member on two levels or an Associate Member.
For Annual Subscription rates download here:
Prospectus and memberships 2010 2011
Contact Us
Existing members requiring help or information on membership please contact:
Keith Moylan-President on 03 6428 7580 keith.moylan@hotmail.com
Secretary-on 03 6421 4650 tourism@latrobe.tas.gov.au
If you are not yet a member and would like more information or advice contact:
Secretary on 03 6421 4650 or email tourism@latrobe.tas.gov.au
About our area!
Love the nature, Live the history!
The municipality of Latrobe is situated on the North West Coast of Tasmania and covers an area of 599.6 square kilometres. It is approximately 10min drive from the nearest city of Devonport.
The Latrobe region incorporates the townships of Port Sorell, Shearwater, Hawley, Sassafras, Tarleton, Moriarty, Harford, Bakers Beach and Wesley Vale.
On Census Night 2006 the population of Latrobe was 8888. The area had 160 more males than females which contradicts the Tasmanian figures, showing the State as having 6740 more females than males.
Latrobe Municipality encompasses only 1.81% of the total population of Tasmania.
The township of Latrobe is one of Australia's finest heritage towns. Settled in 1826, it quickly became one of the state’s largest colonies. The town prospered on agriculture and mining and it soon became a trading hub, with ferries travelling up the Mersey River to the docks.
Those docks are now known as Bells Parade, beautiful picnic parkland that remains the heart of Latrobe.
The major population centres are the two townships consisting of Historic Latrobe (inland) located on the Mersey River and Port Sorell (coastal) surrounded by pristine coastline and adjacent to the Narawntapu National Park.
Latrobe “Platypus Capital of the World” and Port Sorell “The Port of Golden Beaches” are quite unique in their offerings to visitors and residents. The community has strong beliefs in retaining the unique cultures of each township.
Latrobe was developed on shale and coal mining, farming and export of produce mainly potatoes and timber, from a then major port at Bells Parade-Latrobe. The Bells Parade Precinct, located on the Mersey River, whilst not currently operating as a major port is a significant recreational area, being developed as a cultural/heritage precinct. At the location there is current infrastructure consisting of the Australian Axemans Hall of Fame, Sherwood Hall, and the Latrobe Visitor Information Centre. With developed walking/cycling tracks linking the township. The grounds are maintained by local government and Landcare groups and attract many visitors per annum as both a natural and manmade attraction.
Latrobe is a rural service centre with a small but thriving light industrial precinct; industries consist of tourism, hospitality, retail, commerce, agriculture and education. It is one of the fastest growing municipalities on the North West Coast of Tasmania. The demographics consist of a mainly aging population that are attracted to the area because of the flat terrain and ease of access to services including a hospital and sufficient shopping cbd area and public transport. There is one government primary school, one high school and two private schools.
Latrobe combines old world charm and contemporary living in a pristine coastal and wilderness environment. Along with its relaxed and friendly atmosphere.
Find out more about Latrobe: Latrobe Township and Environs Strategic Plan
Latrobe is the ultimate sea-change, tree- change destination.
The Port of Golden Beaches/Gateway to Narawntapu National Park!
The seaside hamlet of Port Sorell sits to the east of Devonport with a population of approximately 3500 It is surrounded by pristine beaches and within close proximity to nationally recognised Narawntapu National Park has unique Flora and Fauna. It presents opportunities for development of quality eco tourism product and experiences. Whilst also having strong historic background, bushfires destroyed a lot of the historic buildings, and Port Sorell has now become a more modern seaside hamlet.
Port Sorell and surrounds have well preserved conservation areas, great walking/cycling tracks and a plethora of natural assets. The CBD has recently undergone a redevelopment plan, resulting in the development of an aged care facility; and the opportunity to build a school is being considered. This may contribute to further growth of the township.
Port Sorell currently has one primary school close by at Wesley Vale, with most students commuting to Latrobe and Devonport for further education.
During the summer months the population explodes to double with visitation as a popular camping and family friendly holiday destination or weekend getaway.
Its popularity has seen it develop from an area of quaint beach side shacks to now include more contemporary residential buildings and amenities.
This development however, has not seen the region lose any of its relaxed, holiday lifestyle or attitude. This is partly due to the fact that it is a commuter region. The area does not have many shops, and so the majority of residents travel into the surrounding city of Devonport for work. This helps to maintain the relaxed lifestyle that ensures that Port Sorell and its surrounding areas remain the ideal destination for those wanting take a step back from fast paced city life and enjoy the serenity that the area offers.
The regions beaches and sheltered inlets make it ideal for all types of water sports, as well as boasting its own golf course, bike / walking tracks, skate park, camping grounds, football/ cricket ground.
The area also has numerous foreshore and bush reserves making it the perfect location for a picnic or BBQ, or just a nice place to sit and enjoy the surrounds.
Port Sorell really is the ultimate Sea- change, Tree – change destination.
Find out more about Port Sorell:Port Sorell Strategic Plan
The primary stakeholders of the association consist of small business operators in tourism, retail and hospitality and customer service, artists, transport operators, community and residents and local government.
Contact Us
Existing members requiring help or information on membership please contact:
Keith Moylan-President on 03 6428 7580 keith.moylan@hotmail.com
Secretary-on 03 6421 4650 tourism@latrobe.tas.gov.au
If you are not yet a member and would like more information or advice contact:
Secretary on 03 6421 4650 or email tourism@latrobe.tas.gov.au
