Vouchers to bring tourists to Tasmania

The Morrison Government is supporting Tasmanian tourism with a $3 million holiday voucher scheme to attract thousands of visitors in the lead-up to Christmas.

The scheme will provide vouchers worth $300 ($200 for accommodation and $100 for attractions or tours) for up to 10,000 residents of South Australia, Western Australia and Queensland who book their holiday in Tasmania for November and December.

Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment Dan Tehan said the initiative was a timely boost for the state's vital tourism sector.

“A recent Tourism Australia Travel Sentiment Tracker found 59 per cent of Australians want to take a holiday in the next six months,” Mr Tehan said.

“Pent-up demand combined with this innovative voucher program represents a fantastic opportunity for Tasmanian tourism to welcome back visitors and give local businesses and the economy a much-needed boost.

“Australians want to travel again so they can visit family and friends and take a holiday, in places like Tasmania. All Australians can help to make that a reality by getting vaccinated so we can reach our 80 per cent vaccination targets to trigger the resumption of travel.”

The voucher scheme is being funded through the Morrison Government's $50 million Recovery for Regional Tourism (RRT) program, which is part of the $1 billion COVID-19 Relief and Recovery Fund to support regions, communities and industry sectors disproportionately affected by the economic impacts of COVID-19.

Senator for Tasmania Jonno Duniam said Tasmania had been a significant beneficiary of the Recovery for Regional Tourism program, with $13.5 million allocated to projects to support the state's tourism sector.

“I welcome this great initiative from Tourism Tasmania to give visitors yet another reason to visit Tasmania in the lead-up to the traditional summer holiday period,” Senator Duniam said.

“Australians are keen to get travelling again and Tasmania is open for business.

“There has never been a better time to come down to Tassie, visit some of our incredible natural wonders and taste some of our fabulous food, wine and whisky.”

Tourism Tasmania CEO John Fitzgerald said the COVID-19 outbreaks in Victoria and NSW had significantly impacted Tasmanian tourism businesses.

“These markets provide around 70 per cent of all visitors to the state,” Mr Fitzgerald said.

“This program will provide much-needed support for the Tasmanian industry in a crucial period.”

For more information on the Tassie Holiday Voucher program, including details on how to apply, visit: www.tourismtasmania.com.au