Sarah Courtney,Minister for Tourism, Hospitality and Events
The Australian and Tasmanian Governments have today launched a new Tassie Holiday Voucher program that will encourage interstate travellers to experience all that our State has to offer.
The Tassie Holiday Voucher program will be offered to residents in South Australia, Western Australia, and Queensland to boost travel during the months of November and December.
The program will provide residents of these interstate markets with the opportunity to receive a $300 voucher towards a visit to Tasmania during the eligible months.
We know that visitors from Victoria and New South Wales traditionally make up 70 percent of total interstate visitation to Tasmania, and the ongoing border restrictions with these markets have significantly impacted our visitor economy.
This program is expected to stimulate travel from interstate markets that currently have open borders with Tasmania, providing vital economic support for our accommodation, tours, and attractions sector.
With up to 10,000 vouchers on offer, recipients will receive a voucher of $300 to use during their travel; $200 for accommodation, and $100 towards attractions or tours booked during the eligible period.
The vouchers will be issued via a ballot, with successful recipients booking their travel and redeeming the voucher discount through a Tassie Holiday Voucher online marketplace.
Importantly, interstate travellers will be able to take advantage of more direct flights recently launched and are set to take off from November.
Supported by the Australian Government's Recovery for Regional Tourism (RRT) Program, the $3.054 million initiative is part of the Federal Government's $1 billion COVID-19 Relief and Recovery Fund that is designed to support regions, communities, and industry sectors disproportionately affected by the economic impacts of COVID-19.
Minister for Tourism, Sarah Courtney said that the RRT is designed to fund projects that drive interstate visitation, to support tourism businesses and jobs and that's exactly what the Tassie Holiday Voucher program will do.
"Tasmania's vibrant tourism industry adds millions to our economy and supports thousands of jobs around the State, particularly in regional areas and this voucher program will bring attention to our spectacular products and destinations to encourage visitation," Minister Courtney said.
Senator for Tasmania, Jonno Duniam said this initiative gives visitors yet another reason to visit Tasmania in the lead-up to the traditional summer holiday period."
"Australians are keen to get travelling again and Tasmania is open for business," Senator Duniam said.
"There has never been a better time to come down to Tassie, visit some of our incredible natural wonders, and taste some of our fabulous food, wine, and whisky."
Eligible Tasmanian tourism businesses are invited to register now to participate in the voucher program and can submit an online application form until Monday, 18 October 2021.
