Tasmanian Budget 2020-21

12 November, 2020

Peter Gutwein MP

Premier and Minister for Tourism

2020-21 Budget: Tourism industry’s vital role in rebuilding a stronger Tasmania

Tasmania’s tourism and hospitality businesses will be vital in rebuilding the State’s economy and supporting jobs and regional areas.

A critical element to supporting the State’s recovery will be to generate demand for visitation to the State.

That is why we are investing millions back into our regional tourism, including an additional $4 million for the West Coast Wilderness Railway this year to assist it to operate as a focal point for the region as it recovers from COVID-19.

To ensure our iconic destinations are world-class, sustainable and protected, the State Budget also includes more than $68 million for the Cradle Mountain experience and visitor experience and $19.4 million for Tasmania’s next iconic walk in the Tyndall Ranges.

Cradle Mountain has long been a magnet for international, interstate and intrastate visitors alike, but we must invest to ensure it remains protected and a world-class destination for future generations to enjoy. This State Budget delivers on our commitment to ensure the icon continues to be a sustainable attraction for years to come.

Tourism Tasmania has also been working closely with airlines and airport partners to restore access capacity, with airlines responding strongly and flights added almost daily.

We are committing almost $10 million towards upgrading the Hobart International Airport and $5.15 million towards upgrading the Launceston Airport in the 2020-21 State Budget.

The $9.85 million investment in the Hobart airport is part of a $17.5 million plan, in partnership with the airport’s owners, to upgrade the infrastructure and facilitate its international border arrangements.

Tasmania will be welcoming international flights from New Zealand for the first time in more than two decades. This will provide a boost for local jobs across tourism, as well as more jobs at the airport as the upgrades take place.

Our $5.15 million commitment to the Launceston Airport is part of a $10.3 million investment, with the airport contributing the remaining funds.

The upgrades will include expanding the departures and arrivals terminals. These changes will see improvements across the airport, including a larger and more contemporary arrivals experience, improved passenger security screening and a larger departures and check-in facility.

Importantly, the 2020-21 State Budget includes $4.1 million to ensure the continuation of essential air freight and passenger services to King and Flinders Islands, and to facilitate the development of new passenger services between Hobart and the Bass Strait Islands.

Self-drive tourism is undertaking a resurgence with road tripping playing an important part in people’s holiday plans going forward, that’s why we are investing $1.4 million into the new Drive Journeys initiative aimed at promoting the State as the perfect self-drive touring destination, and backing that up with Tourism Tasmania investing around $1.25 million in marketing the initiative to mainland Australians.

The Tasmanian Government is delivering a Budget that is focused on creating the jobs, and providing the certainty and confidence our community needs. It is how we will recover, reinvigorate our economy and rebuild a stronger Tasmania.