Peter Gutwein,Premier
Michael Ferguson,Minister for Infrastructure and Transport
The Tasmanian Liberal Government welcomes the Australian Government's $6 million boost to make it free for Spirit of Tasmania passengers to bring their car to Tasmania.
Premier Peter Gutwein said this would be welcome news for the state's tourism industry, which has been significantly impacted by the pandemic.
"We hope to see a boost in passenger vehicle bookings on the Spirit during the tourism shoulder-season of March 1 to June 30 when this incentive is in place," Premier Gutwein said.
"Like everywhere in Australia, our tourism and hospitality industry has been hard hit during COVID-19, and bringing more visitors into the state when safe to do so with their own vehicles means they can properly explore everything we have to offer, including in our regions and furthest corners.
"Importantly, we will now work with our tourism and hospitality sectors on further ways the Tasmanian Government can back in this announcement and incentivise even more people to get out and about, support local businesses, and see what our State has to offer."
Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Michael Ferguson said the $6 million rebate increase under the Australian Government's Bass Strait Passenger Vehicle Equalisation Scheme would also support the many businesses providing the transport link.
"TT-Line has seen an uplift in bookings over the summer months, and we hope this subsidy will support continued strong demand during the shoulder-season," Minister Ferguson said.
"This rebate will mean an average saving of around $240 return for travellers, which is money that can instead be spent at small businesses in Tasmania.
"I'm pleased the subsidy will also include travellers transporting an eligible passenger vehicle between King Island or the Furneaux Group and the mainland."
