Angry islanders hope voucher scheme is among coming incentives

King Islanders, still reeling after a government no-go directive decimated their summer tourism season, are hoping a voucher scheme is among incentives to be offered by the government this week.

TOURISM operators on King Island - thrown to the wall when the State Government issued a “no go” warning to potential tourists during an on-island Covid-19 outbreak -are waiting to hear what incentive programs will be offered to rectify the damage done.

The island’s tourism sector took a major hit in January after several super-spreader events, such as a race meet and a 70th birthday, saw infections spike and the government issue advice for people to stay away.

Since then the King Island Council has been seeking a targeted financial support package for its hospitality and tourism industry saying the government’s business support package  “wouldn’t touch the sides”.

Martha Lavinia Beach, No.2 King Island. By Stu Gibson for Tourism Tasmania.jpg

One of the things sought is a voucher scheme similar to the one which saw Tasmanians travelling to all parts of mainland Tasmania when our borders were closed.

“We were named and shamed around Australia and the damage done was immense,” Mayor Julie Arnold said.

“We rely on individual operators, if one falls over there is not another to replace them. And some of those smaller operators lost more than $200,000 due to the no go direction.

“Cancellations started coming through just hours after the government’s announcement. The island lost up to two months in bookings all up.

“We were full for both January and February then wiped out in an instant.”

Tourism Minister and Premier Peter Gutwein said on Monday he acknowledged King Island had faced some challenges and needed extra support.

“We are finalising a package to kickstart visitation on King Island,” Mr Gutwein said.

“Later this week we will be announcing the details of a new incentive program that will focus on driving more visitors and increasing spending on the island, providing further support to the King Island economy.”

Premier Peter Gutwein speaks to the media at a Covid briefing in Hobart on Monday, February 7, 2022.

“This new program will be available to Tasmanian and interstate travellers, with this support to ensure more visitors are engaging in the incredible experiences and hospitality the island has to offer.”

Mr Gutwein also announced regular passenger flights between Hobart and Tasmania’s two Bass Strait Islands would be extended following the success of the Sharp Airline services  introduced in September, 2020.

The Tasmanian Government committed $1m to underwrite the flights.

“The services have been a roaring success, and have given more Tasmanians the ability to explore these unique parts of our special Island State,” Mr Gutwein said.

The current arrangement is in place until the end of March 2022.

A new agreement between the government and Sharp Airlines is now in place to extend the services until the end of this year.

This new program will be available to Tasmanian and interstate travellers, with this support to ensure more visitors are engaging in the incredible experiences and hospitality the island has to offer.

Tourism Tasmania is working with King Island Tourism and the local council to deliver a new targeted marketing campaign of up to $100,000 value, focusing on both the Tasmanian and interstate markets to encourage travel to the island.