Tourism leaders welcome State Government’s proposed trans-Tasman travel bubble

The proposed trans-Tasman travel bubble has been welcomed by Tasmanian industry stakeholders, but they warn it won’t be the silver bullet needed to revive the state’s depleted visitor economy.

INDUSTRY stakeholders have welcomed the announced trans-Tasman travel bubble plan but warn it won’t be the silver bullet needed to revive the state’s depleted visitor economy.

Premier Peter Gutwein on Friday told the Mercury he had held “very positive” talks with New Zealand Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters about opening up a travel bubble between the two regions.

Mr Gutwein said there was “keen interest on both sides” for the proposal to go ahead, with planning to play out over the coming weeks.

Destination Southern Tasmania CEO Alex Heroys on Sunday said the proposal showed confidence in public health and the state’s economy.

Alex Heroys. Picture: MATT THOMPSON

“There is no doubt that when, and if, this occurs, it will create a boost to the economics of the tourism industry,” he said.

“This is an opportunity to link two premium nature-based tourism destinations and build our profile globally.

“We welcome the idea and fully support the initiative. I know that members of DST would welcome those visitors from across the ditch in true Tasmanian style.”

Mr Heroys said the industry wouldn’t recover until wider border restrictions were eased.

“We now welcome the lifting of restrictions, which will start to increase trade to the tourism and hospitality sector, however, the reality is the tourism industry will only recover and become sustainable when the border restrictions are lifted and visitation increases significantly,” he said.

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Premier Gutwein said he would work with the Hobart Airport on required quarantine facilities after Prime Minister Scott Morrison confirmed border force services would be made available to the state.

Hobart Airport acting CEO Matt Cocker confirmed plans were in place to get the trans-Tasman bubble proposal under way.

Matt Cocker. Picture: RICHARD JUPE

“As Tasmania’s tourism gateway, Hobart Airport is a key driver of the Tasmanian economy and welcoming flights from New Zealand would significantly stimulate the tourism sector with additional investment and jobs,” Mr Cocker said. “We will continue to work closely with the state and federal governments to seek to make this exciting opportunity a reality.”

Andrew Jones travel agent Lonnie Bevis said the travel bubble plan was a chance to “deepen a great relationship with New Zealand”.

“It takes out the interstate transit and instead gives travellers open access to the whole New Zealand flight network,” she said.

“These last few months have taken a tremendous toll on everyone in the travel industry and we will all be happy when flights begin again.”

It comes after the State Government last week announced it had held talks with South Australia and the ACT over travel bubble plans.