The Tasmanian Government's investment in events has shown positive signs of boosting the economy over the winter months.
The latest Tasmanian Hospitality Association occupancy rates have indicated that hotel occupancy was at more than 62 per cent for the month of July. This also represents a year-on-year increase of 1.06 per cent compared to July 2023.
Minister for Sport and Events, Nic Street, welcomed the news.
"It's fantastic to see that our investment in events is working, with so many events happening right across the state during winter," Minister Street said.
"These events included Beaker Street Festival, Festival of Voices, the final Huon Valley Mid-Winter
Festival and the Tassie Scallop Fiesta. Hobart also hosted the Australian Hockey Men's Masters tournament."
The hockey tournament saw more than 4000 competitors, which significantly boosted southern occupancy rates by more than 70 per cent. The Beaker Street Festival was tipped to attract approximately 1,000 interstate and overseas visitors staying an average of six nights.
With the majority of Dark Mofo taking a break for 2024, the Tasmanian Government committed to securing events across Tasmania in the winter months to boost visitation numbers.
"We placed a strong emphasis on attracting and growing event content this year as our tourism economy relies heavily on events to help get them through winter." Minister Street said.
"As part of our commitment to continuing to support winter events across the state, we provided $100,000 for eligible events to secure funding through the winter edition of our Event Marketing Tasmania grant program," Minister Street said.
"That funding was fully expended and a total of 11 events were successful in receiving grants."
Through the 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania's Future, our Government will provide longer-term certainty for existing events and additional capacity to target off-season events by boosting our Events Fund.
