A comprehensive tourism and hospitality package has been announced to boost visitation around the State, support our local tourism and hospitality sectors and make life more affordable over the coming 24 months.
The Tasmanian Government recognises the impacts of the delays to the new vessels becoming operational is concerning for the tourism and hospitality sector, particularly in the North West and North of the State.
A suite of initiatives designed to drive visitation and support our economy will be delivered across peak and off-season periods.
Premier and Minister for Tourism, Jeremy Rockliff acknowledged the cost-of-living pressures being felt nationally, resulting in declining interstate and intrastate travel.
"Our Government is backing our tourism and hospitality industry – to ensure they continue to thrive, despite the challenges it faces," the Premier said.
"Our package we are announcing today will benefit Tasmanians directly, but also sends a message to the rest of the country and world that Tasmania is the place to visit."
Initiatives to drive visitation to Tasmania via the Spirit of Tasmania will include reduced fares over the peak periods and throughout winter and additional day sailings.
The Government will invest $6 million to subsidise passenger fares to boost demand and provide for additional day sailings.
The Tasmanian Government will also invest an additional $500,000, on top of the existing $5 million Aviation Fund, to increase aviation capacity across the State to attract more visitors. This investment will support new routes and increased frequency on existing routes across the State.
In addition to increasing aviation capacity, we will develop air and car hire packages to encourage those arriving by air to get out and enjoy our regions.
To enable our tourism and hospitality businesses and Councils to prepare for the arrival of the new vessels, we will invest $5 million in a Spirit Preparedness Fund.
This Fund will support the development of new products and offerings, enhance existing attractions, and support Councils to deliver key infrastructure such as signage and charging stations. This fund will work off a 50:50 co-contribution.
Premier Rockliff also announced the revival of the Government's successful voucher scheme for Tasmanians.
"Recognising that times are tough for a lot of people, travel and discretionary spending is often the first thing to go," the Premier said.
"To support our tourism and hospitality sector, we will launch a new voucher scheme, Eat Local, Stay Local, to encourage Tasmanians to travel and eat out.
"We will provide 100,000 vouchers, valued at $100 each.
"This will assist with making Tasmanian lives more affordable.
"To complement this voucher scheme, Tourism Tasmania will lead an intrastate marketing campaign to showcase what's on offer and encourage more Tasmanians to enjoy what our State has to offer."
A $5 million Events Tasmania Attraction Fund will be available to secure more events and business events for the State.
"Events like Bicheno Beams and Permission to Trespass have proven hugely successful in drawing visitors to our regions, providing a huge boost to the local tourism and hospitality industries," the Premier said.
"We want to see more events like these in all corners of our state and this fund will encourage visitation and support our local communities."
A tourism roundtable will meet again on November 1 to provide a further update on the timing and details of the initiative announced.
