Most Tasmanians lucky enough to snap up a travel voucher are yet to use them

Time is running out for those lucky enough to snap up a Make Yourself at Home travel voucher, with only a small percentage redeemed so far.

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LESS than 20 per cent of Tasmanian travel vouchers have been redeemed at the halfway point of the scheme, with those still sitting on their windfall being urged to get out and spend.

More than 41,500 vouchers were quickly snapped up during the two rounds of the Make Yourself at Home scheme, which is designed to boost the ailing tourism industry.

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$7.5 million worth of vouchers snapped up in less than 40 minutes

Second round of Make Yourself At Home vouchers gone in 64 minutes

Just under 6600 of the vouchers have been redeemed or submitted for redemption, Premier Peter Gutwein said during the week.

“Thousands of Tasmanians have already undertaken their travel, putting vibe and stimulus into our tourism sector,” Mr Gutwein said.

Above & Beyond Tasmanian Seaplanes pilot and owner Henry Ellis says local support has been strong, but it is impossible to tell if it is because of the travel vouchers Picture: LUKE BOWDEN

The government has set aside $12.5 million to fund the reimbursement of vouchers and expects the scheme to generate about $50 million in additional spending.

However, time is running out for those still holding onto the majority of vouchers, as the experiences and mid-week accommodation stays have to be paid for and undertaken by November 30.

After the travel is undertaken, recipients have 30 days to redeem the voucher.

Tasmanian seaplane pilot Henry Ellis, of Above & Beyond, said it was hard to tell how the voucher scheme was affecting his business, as customers did not necessarily mention it when booking, but he had noticed a slight increase in sales.

“It’s a great scheme and will definitely assist local tourism businesses and encourage locals to maybe do something they wouldn’t normally do,” Mr Ellis said.

Mr Ellis also works part-time with Virgin, but has been stood down until January because of the travel downturn.

He said locals were taking advantage of the closed border by lapping up luxury experiences such as VIP flights to Saffire and Pumphouse Point and picnics on secluded beaches.

“We are spoiled for choice with beaches here in Hobart, so, depending on the conditions, we are generally able to find a nice sheltered spot to enjoy a gourmet hamper,” Mr Ellis said.

He said beach picnic flights were popular for marriage proposals, while many groups were opting for half-day trips to Port Davey or the Gordon River or a lunch tour to Mr Ellis’ family’s winery Meadowbank in the Derwent Valley.

Justin Davies, from Apple Isle Wine Tours, said business has picked up since the travel voucher scheme started. Picture: Zak Simmonds

Apple Isle Wine Tours owner Justin Davies said his business, which traditionally relied on cruise ship passengers and overseas visitors, had also noticed a small increase in bookings, possibly related to the voucher scheme.

“It is difficult to track vouchers as it is a post-claim, so we are just issuing invoices and gather some would be claiming back their $50,” Mr Davies said.

“Over the last few weeks we have witnessed a hive of activity at most cellar doors, which is pleasing to see.”