A boost in visitor numbers coming in on the new Spirit of Tasmania vessels is a tremendous opportunity for Tassie tourism operators - but they need certainty about when the ships will be in operation to make the most of it.
The THA's latest data shows occupancy rates for Tasmanian accommodation fell to 56.7 per cent in June - seven per cent down on the year before and 15 per cent down on 2022 levels.
After the industry received assurances that the new ships would be sailing this summer, many venues are banking on increased passenger numbers helping to provide a boost after a difficult winter period.
When they do start bringing more cars and caravans to the state, the new Spirits are set to bring with them a $350 million boost to the Tasmanian economy.
This boost will be good for business, and good for jobs - particularly in Tasmania's world-renowned tourism and hospitality sector.
But with significant doubts about the construction timeline for new wharf infrastructure in Devonport for the ships to load and unload, the actual date the new ships will start sailing remains unclear.
The new Spirits are a hugely exciting prospect for Tasmania and will help take our state's reputation as a world-class destination to the next level. Tourism operators need certainty about when this boost is coming, so they can plan properly to make the most of it.
Dean Winter MP
Labor Leader
Shadow Minister for Tourism & Hospitality
