How do I get the $100 ‘Make Yourself at Home’ travel voucher?
The Tasmanian Government announced a $100 ‘Make Yourself at Home’ voucher after sensationally closing the borders earlier this week until at least December 1. But what is the voucher and how does it work? EXPLAINED >>
Tasmania
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AFTER sensationally shutting the borders until December 1, the government announced a state-funded stipend to encourage Tasmanians to travel at home.
The $100 ‘Make Yourself at Home’ travel voucher will be available after September, and will be valid on statewide attractions.
Premier Peter Gutwein acknowledged tourism and hospitality businesses had been hardest hit by the border closures.
“A series of support and incentive measures (will) help drive intrastate visitation, and support and encourage Tasmanians to get out and experience their home state.
“Tasmanians have been extremely supportive of local businesses already, with hotel and accommodation occupancy rates relatively strong during the recent school holidays and on the weekends.”
WHAT WE KNOW
- The vouchers won’t be available to use until September.
- The $100 voucher can be used only be used on commercial accommodation.
- The accommodation voucher can only be used midweek.
- Up to $50 can be used on attractions; cruises, walks, entry sites such as Port Arthur Historic Site or the Tahune Airwalk.
- The $50 voucher for attractions can be used any day of the week.
- The vouchers will be valid September through until the end of November.
- According to state government figures, midweek occupancy in hotel accommodation is low.
- In total there is $7.5 million available to encourage Tasmanians to travel outside of their municipality
- The voucher system is expected to support up to 25,000 bed nights or 50,000 tourism experiences each month.
- Consultation is currently underway.
Mr Gutwein said he hoped the vouchers will encourage local businesses to have meetings or team building workshops away from their base.
“I expect that after consultation occurs the guidelines and details of the booking system will be outlined before the end of this month for activation in September,” he said.
Alongside the $100 vouchers, the state government has put aside another $1.5 million to encourage Tasmanian schools to “enrich educational experiences” for students, through excursions to parks and tourism and heritage sites.
“The school excursion voucher scheme will provide students with the opportunity to access hands on, authentic learning experiences outside the classroom and come at no cost to students, parents or carers,” Mr Gutwein said.
“Importantly, the initiative will also support Tasmanian tourism, parks and heritage sites at a time when they need it most as we recover from the impacts of COVID-19.”
There are currently no further details on the scheme for schools.
Originally published as How do I get the $100 ‘Make Yourself at Home’ travel voucher?