Peter Gutwein,Minister for State Growth
The Hodgman Liberal Government is a strong supporter of growing tourism on the West Coast, and we are enabling this through the trial of an air service linking Hobart and Strahan.
Commencing on May 13, Par Avion will operate three return flights a week between Hobart and Strahan. The trial will last two years and determine whether an ongoing passenger service is viable on this route.
While visitation to Strahan has seen some growth, pleasingly people who do visit are staying longer, with visitor nights increasing by 26 per cent, over the past three years.
We think an air service will help further bolster the number of tourists choosing to holiday on the West Coast.
A direct air link could be a valuable service that will save over three hours travel time between the capital and Strahan, reinforcing Strahan’s reputation as a premium wilderness tourism destination and will help support local businesses and jobs.
The Hodgman Liberal Government’s $300,000 investment in the trial service shows our commitment to growing tourism visitation on the West Coast, and to ensure the entire state feels the benefits of our growing economy.
Our commitment to the West Coast builds on other investments such as the revival of Strahan’s Esplanade, revitalisation of the Strahan Bonds Store, the new West Coast Visitor Information and Booking Centre, and improvements to Sarah Island.
