Tasmania Premier Will Hodgman

Record Visitor Spend And Further Sustainable Growth In Tourism

Victor P Taffa

Latest Tasmanian Visitor Survey statistics show tourists spent a record amount in local communities while overall visitor numbers grew steadily, Premier Will Hodgman said.

In the year to December 2018, visitors spent a record $2.46 Billion in our communities, up 5 % from the previous year.

“That is $2.5 Billion going into Tasmanian communities, creating jobs and delivering investment. It demonstrates exactly why the Hodgman Government has backed our tourism industry and will continue to do so.” Premier Hodgman said.

Increase in expenditure also shows that our Plan to focus on premium experiences, and ensuring all parts of our state benefit from tourism, is working.

Over the same period, Tasmania welcomed a record 1.32 Million visitors, up 4 % from the previous year.

 

Visitors in the important and profitable business travel sector jumped by 21 %, and the total number of nights spent by holiday visitors to Tasmania increased to 5.78 Million nights, up 5 %, from the previous year.

Figures also show 69 % of all visitor nights were spent outside of the capital. Increases in visitors on the previous year were recorded in:

• Cradle Coast, up 4 %,
• Northern region, up 3 %,
• Southern region, up 3 %.

“While we have seen continued steady visitor growth, the Government understands we must protect what is special about our way of life so it can continue to be enjoyed by locals and visitors alike.”

“Tourism is one of Tasmania’s great competitive strengths, supporting over 38,000 jobs in every corner of the State and is a major reason why our economy is growing so strongly. Now is not the time to put the handbrake on this vital industry.” Premier Hodgman said.