Roger Jaensch,Minister for Environment, Parks and Heritage
Tasmanians have returned to our iconic parks and reserves in droves since they reopened in June, supporting regional economies in their recovery from COVID-19.
Despite the gap left by visitors from interstate and overseas, visitation to Freycinet for July and August was around 90 per cent of the numbers compared with the same time 12 months ago.
At Highfield House in Stanley, visitation for July and August was the highest on record, and visitor numbers were up by seven per cent at the Tamar Wetlands, compared to the same time last year.
There have also been very strong bookings on the Overland Track and Three Capes Track, and accommodation providers near parks and reserves are doing well with strong forward bookings from August and beyond.
Our national parks and reserves make a huge contribution to the Tasmanian economy, particularly in regional areas, and these great results are exactly what our economy and tourism sector needs as we continue to recover from COVID-19 into the future.
I'd like to thank all Tasmanians who got out and about when they could to support our regional economies by visiting our local attractions and spending in the surrounding communities.
As our borders reopen to all states and territories, we expect interstate visitors to again flock to our parks and reserves as we get our visitor economy moving again.
Importantly, we'll be welcoming our visitors back in a safe way. The Parks and Wildlife Service has COVID Safe Plans in place to ensure our visitor centres and other facilities are COVID-safe at all times.
