Tasmanians supporting local and exploring more of our State

Peter Gutwein,Premier

New data released today shows that Tasmanians heeded the call to get out and about and support their local businesses when they needed it most last year, inspired by the Tasmanian Government’s tourism voucher scheme.

National Visitor Survey data for the month of October shows the number of overnight intrastate trips was 188,100 – up 19 per cent for the same month the previous year and the second highest intrastate growth in the nation.

Most importantly, the number of nights spent intrastate also increased by a significant 43 per cent, and expenditure by overnight intrastate travellers was $106.8 million – up 28 per cent compared to the previous year.

There is no doubt our tourism and hospitality industry was one of the hardest hit by the COVID-19 pandemic, but we have an incredibly resilient industry here in Tasmania and an amazing community that is willing to support their fellow Tasmanians.

The figures released today demonstrate that Tasmanians got out and about, explored their backyard and assisted the industry’s recovery in uncertain times.

It’s also a clear endorsement of the success of our $12.5 million Make Yourself At Home travel voucher program that was launched in September and encouraged Tasmanians to travel local and support local businesses.

An estimated $27.5 million in additional spend is estimated to have been generated by travel voucher holders, with people spending on average, more than $3 to every voucher dollar.

While there is no doubt the industry continues to be impacted by the uncertainty around COVID-19, the Tasmanian Government will continue to support and back the sector as we continue to recover and rebuild a stronger Tasmania.

/Public Release. View in full here.