Cruise and Ferry Review - Summer/Spring 2020

1 2 6 INTERV IEW Flying the flag for Tasmania Spirit of Tasmania CEO Bernard Dwyer talks with Justin Merrigan about hosting the 45th Annual Interferry conference in Hobart in October 2020 F rom Unesco World Heritage- listed mountain areas to beach- lined coastlines and towns with farm-gate producers, wineries and restaurants – Tasmania is widely known for its breathtaking scenery, culture and, thanks to being in the path of the Roaring Forties westerly winds, having the cleanest air in the world. Tasmania is a wonderful travelling destination and the sailing across Bass Strait between Melbourne and Devonport on the north coast of Australia’s island state by Spirit of Tasmania is unquestionably one of the world’s must-do travel experiences. Owned and operated by the Tasmanian government’s TT-Line, Spirit of Tasmania operates overnight crossings from both ports with the eye-catching red-hulled sister ships Spirit of Tasmania I and Spirit of Tasmania II. During periods of high demand, day sailings are also on offer with a crossing time of nine hours. This year, delegates of the annual Interferry conference will have the opportunity to experience Tasmania for themselves, with host Spirit of Tasmania working hard to plan an unforgettable event. As CEO Bernard Dwyer explains, the company has a long association and connection with Interferry. “Our chairman, Michael Grainger, is a former chairman and board member, and last year I was honoured to have been appointed president of Interferry 2020. “We’re immensely proud to be bringing the 45th Annual Interferry Conference to Hobart,” he adds. “This will be only the third time that the conference has been held in Australia with the first time being in Sydney in 1995, followed by the Gold Coast in 2002.” The conference will bring the leaders of the international ferry industry to Tasmania. “The Tasmanian ferry industry is itself highly regarded globally for its innovation and quality, so we are looking forward to the opportunity to expose it firsthand to our industry partners from around the world,” says Dwyer.