The Minister for Tourism, Scott Bacon, today urged Tasmanians to 'save a mainlander' as part of a two-month campaign to get locals to encourage interstate friends, colleagues and relatives to holiday in Tasmania.

 

Tourism Tasmania's new Save a Mainlander campaign is timed to coincide with the four episodes of the popular reality TV show Masterchef that were filmed in Tasmania, and air next week.

 

"I want all Tasmanians to get behind the new campaign and go online to www.saveamainlander.com.au and do their bit to invite their mainland friends and relatives to holiday in the State", he said.

 

"Every mainland friend, colleague and relative they invite puts them into a competition to win daily prizes of experiences provided by local tourism operators.  

 

"This is a tongue-in-cheek way of reminding people who live interstate just how amazing our island state is," he said.

 

"We hope this promotion will encourage our mainland friends and relatives to visit Tasmania for a holiday or break, but also inspire local Tasmanians to get out and about and find out for themselves why the State is regarded by many in the industry as a hot Australian destination."

 

Mr Bacon said it was important to use market research to find creative ways to promote Tasmania interstate, especially given the challenges facing the sector.

 

"Despite the need for all Government businesses to find savings, the State Government has worked closely with the Tourism Tasmania Board to quarantine tourism marketing in this year's budget," he said.

 

"We are continuing to invest in innovative new ways to market the state and support our important tourism sector in what is a very tough national business environment."

 

Mr Bacon said Tourism Tasmania is investing $180 000 in the Save a Mainlander campaign. An additional $35,000 worth of tourism prizes for the promotion are also being provided by Virgin Airlines and around 60 tourism businesses throughout the state. Tasmania's media outlets are also providing additional bonus advertising worth over $100 000.