Tourism business roaring for borders to reopen

A Greater Hobart adventure tourism company – normally a hit with interstate and overseas visitors – hopes Tasmanian’s will also see the appeal with the help of ‘Make Yourself at Home’ vouchers.

A TASMANIAN adventure tourism company has backed the state government’s travel voucher scheme, saying now is the time for the local community to extend their support to businesses doing it tough.

Reg Grundy of Roaring 40s Kayaks said he was hopeful Tasmanians will take up the opportunity to “holiday at home” when an incentivised voucher initiative kicks off next week.

The $7.5m Make Yourself At Home state government travel initiative – offering accommodation and experience vouchers – will open for online registrations from 9am September 7, running through to December.

Under the travel scheme, vouchers can be used to claim $100 on the cost of commercial accommodation, including short-stay accommodation properties, or $50 on tourism experiences, such as cruises or adventures.

Owner of Roaring 40s Kayaking, Reg Grundy has been doing it tough during the COVID-19 pandemic with boarders closed until December 1 Picture: Zak Simmonds

“I think for us, this an opportunity for Tasmanian folks to make themselves at home and get out and about around the state and explore some of those fantastic travel destinations we have,” Mr Grundy said.

“We’re looking forward to being able to offer our experiences to the Tasmanian community, and we really do need their support.”

Mr Grundy said state border closures until December would be difficult to cope with.

“Traditionally, for us our season kicks off around end of September, so it’s prolonging our season start date,” he said.

“I can see both sides of the situation though. For us as a tourism business, it’s a tough road not seeing those interstate and international tourists, which are a large proportion of our income, but at same time I can understand the need for community safety.”

Mr Grundy, whose kayak tours include guided adventures at Port Davey and Hobart’s Waterfront, said his business had been formulating plans to cater for local guests.