Tasmanian tourism figures top the million mark for the first time

A RECORD number of visitors spent $1.5 billion in Tasmania last year, prompting one economist to label the tourism industry an economic saviour.

tourism figures

A RECORD number of visitors spent $1.5 billion in Tasmania last year, prompting a leading economist to label the tourism industry an economic saviour for the state.

Figures released by the State Government yesterday show visitor numbers cracked the million mark for the first time in the year ending September 30.

The number of cruise ship passengers increased by 104,000 in that period. Tourism groups say they are on track to boost visitor numbers to 1.5 million in the next seven years and increase visitor spending to $2 billion.

Economic commentator Saul Eslake said Tasmanians were correct to peg their hopes for economic growth on the state's tourism industry.

"I think Tasmanians have to get away from the inherent attitude that there's something more noble about driving a log truck than a tourist bus," he said.

Mr Eslake said there was a perception forestry, agricultural industries and manufacturing were more deserving of government assistance.

"I think that's a misguided and unfortunate attitude that many people have," he said.

Mr Eslake said the State Government needed to boost its investment in tourism marketing and infrastructure to keep

visitors coming. He said upgrading the state's highways was a major requirement.

Tourism Industry Council Tasmania chief executive Luke Martin was quick to talk down claims that tourism was a "silver bullet" for the economy. "But clearly, (we have the) capacity to do the things that the economy needs -- to create jobs and capital investment," he said.

"If you were going to invest somewhere to create the immediate stimulation of the economy ... this would be it."

TICT figures show one in eight Tasmanians rely on tourism for employment, with 35,000 people employed either directly or indirectly.

Tourism contributes 4.2 per cent to gross state product, compared to mining's 3.9 per cent, forestry's 2.4 per cent and dairy's 1 per cent.

Mr Martin has long called for the Government to increase marketing grants for Tourism Tasmania and said visitor numbers could be further improved with increased marketing capability.

"Imagine if we had a $30 million marketing budget like the Northern Territory, rather than $12 million," he said.

Tourism and Transport Forum chief executive Ken Morrison said the local industry had seen an "incredible turnaround".

"From being in the doldrums, it is now boasting nation-leading growth in arrivals, providing jobs and supporting businesses across the state," he said.

"Innovative marketing campaigns have ensured people are aware of what Tasmania has to offer and the airlines have come to the party as well, with significant additional capacity underpinning visitor growth."

Tourism Tasmania chief executive John Fitzgerald said its Go Behind the Scenery campaign was the latest in a string of successful campaigns to bring tourists to the state, with latest figures showing a boost in visitors in the usually depressed winter months.

He tipped tourism to be a major issue at the coming state election.

"We're a pillar of the economy and I think both the Government and the Opposition recognise that," Mr Fitzgerald said.

Tourism Minister Scott Bacon said the Government had strongly supported the sector and invested in infrastructure including the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery redevelopment, Three Capes walking track, Abt railway upgrade and winter events including Dark MOFO and the Festival of Voices.

Liberal leader Will Hodgman said the party would invest $16 million more in coming years into marketing to capitalise on the industry's potential, with a target of creating an extra 8000 jobs.