The Premier Will Hodgman said today’s unveiling of the refurbished Spirit of Tasmania I is a red-letter day for the state’s tourism industry.
“The Liberal Government’s number one priority is jobs, and the 'new' Spirit of Tasmania ferries will deliver by helping to achieve our vision of growing visitor numbers to 1.5 million a year by 2020,” he said.
“This will boost employment in hospitality and tourism, particularly in regional Tasmania, with the Spirits playing a critical role in the self-drive market.
“In line with the Government’s plan, the refurbishments are about realising the potential of the ferries by improving the passenger experience on day sailings to attract more people to make the journey.
“The Spirits will make an additional 33 day sailings in 2015-16, which have already seen strong forward bookings; more than double those at the same time last year.
“The additional sailings and refurbishments are all part of TT-Line’s new Business Case, which will also deliver an estimated 14.8 per cent reduction in average fares over the next four years.
“Importantly, as the first experience of Tasmania for many who visit our State, the refurbished ferries will showcase our local produce, our fine food and wine.”
The Parliamentary Secretary for Small Business and Trade Adam Brooks said the benefits of the refurbishments are not limited to tourism with 20 Tasmanian businesses and their 200 employees working on the project.
“The Government was very pleased with the shared commitment of TT-Line and its turnkey contractor Trimline to strong local content, which has provided an economic boost to the State, and particularly the North-West Coast, with much of the work undertaken alongside at the Devonport terminal and while on the run,” he said.
“Work is continuing on Spirit of Tasmania II and we look forward to seeing the successful completion of her refurbishment by the end of the month.”