Tasmania is set to become a premier winter tourist destination as an extra $6 million boost is given to the tourism sector by the Government. The boost is part of a $13.5 million allocation through the Recovery for Regional Tourism Initiative.
Senator for Tasmania Jonathon Duniam said tourism supported around 15 per cent of total employment in Tasmania, making it vital to support its recovery.
“Australians want to come to Tasmania for a holiday, and we have seen that through the success of our Government’s half-priced airfare offer with huge demand for cheap flights to Tasmania,” Senator Duniam said.
By financially supporting the appeal of a winter holiday in Tasmania, the Government is helping the state to attract more tourists and grow the size of the artisanal producer community.
The additional $6 million boost will be divided into certain areas within the tourism sector. $2 million of the $6 million will be used to support the Winter 2021 marketing program.
Meanwhile, $2.8 million is planned to drive investments in new agritourism experiences and leverage the state’s strengths in artisanal and small-batch products and experiences. $500,000 from the boost will be used for Business Events Tasmania in order to target corporate decision-makers to choose Tasmania as an event destination.
The remaining $582,000 will be used to fund train travel trade and media partners for increased visibility in domestic markets.
Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment Dan Tehan said the state was well-placed to take advantage of domestic demand to attract new visitors that supported local jobs and economic growth.
“The best thing the Morrison Government can do for our tourism businesses is to get tourists back spending money,” Minister Tehan said.
Minister Tehan also states the additional $6 million will complement the 800,000 half-price airfares the Government funded in order to get people back into tourist areas and spend money on holidays.
“Australians are looking for unique tourist experiences and Tasmania has plenty to offer,” Minister Tehan said.