STRONG INVESTMENTS TO GROW OUR TOURISM INDUSTRY

JEREMY ROCKLIFF MP, Premier and Minister for Tourism

Tourism is one of Tasmania’s greatest strengths and a key pillar of our economy that supports thousands of jobs and pumps millions into our economy each and every year.

The Rockliff Liberal Government is committed to further investing and growing this vitally important industry, to ensure it can continue to thrive as we build Tasmania’s future.

The 2023-24 Tasmanian Budget provides Tourism Tasmania with long term certainty in marketing Tasmania to domestic and international markets with $6 million committed in 2025-26 to continue the Government’s strong level of investment in the destination marketing.

Premier and Minister for Tourism, Jeremy Rockliff said this will provide marketing certainty for this important industry, in line with our 2021 election commitment and enable Tourism Tasmania to continue its brand positioning and campaign activity, reactivate international marketing activity and invest in important visitor economy data and research to support decision making and destination management.

“We are building Tasmania’s future with targeted, careful, and considered investment in key areas such as our tourism industry, which supports thousands of jobs and adds millions into our economy each year,” the Premier said.

“The industry has bounced back from the pandemic and is once again thriving, but we need to keep the momentum going and keep showcasing our State to the world, and our $6 million investment will do just that.”

The Budget also invests in key tourism assets in the North and North West, with the remaining $500,000 allocation as part of our $1 million commitment to revitalise the Boags visitor centre.

“The Boag’s Brewery Visitor Centre is a local cultural icon and a vital part of the northern economy, and our investment has already allowed the centre to remain open.

“Importantly, it has not only secured locals jobs at the Centre but will allow it to be revitalised, with future upgrades planned that will attract more locals and tourists to the region.”

Other key investments into tourism include:

• $500,000 over two years to deliver funding for Aboriginal heritage projects, including wukalina Walk;
• $1.25 million to support the operation of the iconic West Coast Wilderness Railway. This is in addition to the $1 million support package provided this financial year that will drive continued visitation following the railway’s winter shutdown, while also supporting our operators on the ground to invest in their businesses during the winter period; and
• $1.1 million to support our tourism and hospitality unit to continue providing support to industry on critical matters like workforce development.

Later this year, in partnership with industry we will release our 2030 Visitor Economy Strategy which will chart the future for our tourism industry, and guide future investment in the industry.