Tasmania's greatest industrialist, Josef Chromy OAM, was awarded the Tasmanian tourism industry's highest honor last week - named the 2017 Tasmanian Tourism Champion. 

Mr Chromy's contribution to Tasmanian enterprise over six decades is unrivalled - but his impact on the Tasmanian tourism and wine industries - particularly in his beloved Launceston - is the stuff of legend.

In the 1990s Joe purchased, cultivated and developed vineyards along the Tamar that are now home to some of Tasmania's best known wine labels including Tamar Ridge and Jansz. 

More recently his family company has grown the signature Josef Chromy and Pepik wine labels while developing the stunning Josef Chromy Wine Centre - one of Australia's top 10 Cellar Doors. 

In 2008 - at the height of the Global Financial Crisis - Joe injected much-needed confidence and investment into the Northern Tasmanian tourism industry with the redevelopment of the old Launceston General Hospital into Hotel Charles. 

More recently he revitalised and reopened the Penny Royal site, and this year - at the age of 86 - revealed his vision to develop what promises to be one of Australia's best hotels - The Gorge Hotel. 

Alongside his developments, Joe's JAC Group is renowned for cultivating local Tasmanian talent and skills in our wine, hospitality and tourism sectors and has a reputation as an outstanding employer.

For all this and more, Joe Chromy is a very worthy addition to the Honor Roll of Tasmanian Tourism Champions.