The Hodgman Liberal Government’s quest to make Tasmania a must-see tourism destination is further enhanced by the V8 Supercars which roll into Launceston next week.
The V8 Supercars are Tasmania’s biggest sports event attracting between 50-60,000 spectators over the weekend which is why we moved quickly in 2014 to secure the Series until 2019.
Part of that contract included $2 million to upgrade track safety to international standard for both drivers and spectators and it is pleasing to see much of that work already completed.
We also know that the V8s fill out hotels and hospitality venues in Northern Tasmania and attract many other motorsport fans to the region.
Importantly, it provides great money-for-value international sport, creates jobs and creates economic stimulus to the economy.
Additionally, Tasmania gets many hours of national and international television and media exposure during the event which further enhances our tourism message.
Tasmania’s tourism offering is based around variety – from racing cars and AFL football through to arts, culture, mountain bikes and bushwalking tracks.
We have a target of 1.5 million visitors by 2020 and the V8 Supercars, from April 1-3 at Symmons Plain, is integral to that plan.
We warmly welcome the Adelaide round winner Nick Percat to Symmons Plains today and wish him the best for back-to-back victories, although we know the competition will be tough.