Will Hodgman,Premier & Minister for Tourism, Hospitality and Events
The latest Tasmanian Visitor Survey statistics show tourists spent a record amount in local communities while overall visitor numbers grew steadily.
In the year to December 2018, visitors spent a record $2.46 billion in our communities, up five per cent from the previous year.
That is two and half billion dollars going into Tasmanian communities, creating jobs and delivering investment. It demonstrates exactly why the Liberal Government has backed our tourism industry and will continue to do so.
The 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 four per cent from the previous year.
Visitors in the important and profitable business travel sector jumped by 21 per cent, and the total number of nights spent by holiday visitors to Tasmania increased to 5.78 million nights, up five per cent, from the previous year.
The figures also show 69 per cent of all visitor nights were spent outside of the capital. Increases in visitors were recorded in the Southern region, up three per cent, Northern region, up three per cent, and Cradle Coast, up four per cent, on the previous year.
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.
