Taking tourism to the next level

The 2018-19 Budget recognises tourism is one of our state’s greatest competitive strengths and delivers on our plan to boost Tasmania’s booming visitor economy.

Tasmania’s tourism, events and hospitality sectors will benefit from an investment of more than $129 million, to support more marketing, better infrastructure and new experiences and events.

This includes $20 million to deliver Tasmania’s next iconic multi-day, hut-based walk.

Tasmania is an in-demand destination. With existing walks booked out in peak seasons, it is clear there is ample demand for another iconic walk in Tasmania.

Existing iconic walks, such as the Three Capes Track, have an enormous positive impact on their surrounding communities, boosting the economy, creating jobs and redefining the identity of a region.

We will also invest $4 million to establish a new Event Attraction Fund to actively target and secure mass-participation events that will secure the greatest return on investment for our State.

The new fund will enable a broad ranging events calendar to be developed so every region of Tasmania can share in the tourism boom.

We will invest $12 million for more tourism marketing, upgrades to roads in key tourism destinations, and an additional $6.8 million to grow our hospitality industry.

Funding for the hospitality industry includes $2.8 million for 2000 more businesses to take part in the Great Customer Experience program, and $200,000 to crack-down on coward punch attacks.

Our package to support the visitor economy also includes $1.4 million for three new Drive Journeys in the north, south and north-west. These will build on the success of the Great Eastern Drive, and the work already underway on a new driving route in the west.

The Budget also provides $35 million for the Cradle Mountain Experience.

Last year, more than 1.26 million people visited Tasmania, spending a total of $2.33 billion on accommodation, attractions, tours, transport and other goods and services.

These strategic investments are part of our Plan for targeted, sustainable growth in tourism which protects what’s special about Tasmania and importantly, boosts jobs and the visitor economy in every region the State.