Virtual tours, blog posts and social media posts. These are the platforms Japanese tour guide, Midori O'Brien has been using to showcase the beauty of Tasmania, whilst the international borders stay firmly shut.
Midori and Luke started Leatherwood Tasmania Tours in 2005, and their firm knowledge of the island, together with their friendly service, has proved to be popular amongst tourists.
However, like so many other people in the tourism industry, Midori was "shocked" when international borders and state borders shut abruptly.
"Every single bookings were cancelled"
Jobkeeper and support from the Tasmanian government was crucial in getting through this difficult time.
Midori decided to use this time to showcase the beauty of Tasmania via online platform, together with her photographer husband, Luke O'Brien.
One of her newest adventure was a virtual tour for Japanese agencies.
Cradle Mountain Tasmania Source: Luke O'Brien
Virtual tours were mainly focused in Hobart, where internet connection will not pose any issue. This also made Midori realize, that much of Tasmania's natural beauty can only be experienced in person, as internet connection was not sufficient in these areas. It made Midori more determined to make frequent posts on her blog and social media, to keep people connected to Tasmania during the pandemic.
Her posts bring insight into Tasmania not widely known in the Japanese community, such as the wombat rescue and the Southern Aurora which you can view from Tasmania all year around - though specific timing is difficult to pin point.
Midori says Tasmania is where you can enjoy nature and its simplicity.
Midori's blog posts give insight into stories of Tasmania, like wombat rescue, not widely known by the public Source: Luke O'Brien
"I will continue to make posts during this time, so that hopefully when the borders finally open, people will be keen to visit Tasmania"
"Until then, we will just do our best and try and survive"
Aurora can be seen from Tasmania all year around, although precise timing is difficult to pin point Source: Luke O'Brien
