Make Yourself at Home scheme coming to an end
As the Make Yourself at Home scheme comes to an end, the potential impact of the incentive on Tasmanian accommodation providers has been revealed. LATEST + HOW TO REDEEM >>
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AS THE Make Yourself at Home scheme begins to come to an end, the potential impact of the incentive on Tasmanian accommodation providers has been revealed.
Where some areas of the state have experienced a boost in activity, it seems the South has missed out.
SEE BELOW FOR FAQS ON THE ‘MAKE YOURSELF AT HOME’ VOUCHERS >>
According to new figures from the Tasmanian Hospitality Association’s October Hotel Occupancy Report, Southern Tasmania’s accommodation providers are experiencing the slowest recovery in the state.
Just a third of available rooms were filled in October compared to almost 90 per cent occupancy at the same time last year.
The state’s North saw the highest boost in occupancy rates with about 55 per cent of rooms occupied, marking a 10 per cent growth from September.
Operators in the North-West have also reported positive signs with occupancy up to 48.17 per cent in October — an increase of 12.3 per cent from September.
The report also found the cost of rooms statewide were considerably reduced compared to last year, with the average room costing $32.74 less.
CEO Steve Old said he expected visitation and occupancy to significantly increase in November’s report.
FAQS
WHAT ARE THE VOUCHERS?
About 40,000 vouchers were up for grabs to help support Tasmania’s tourism industry.
Single adults were eligible for one $100 accommodation voucher and one $50 experience voucher.
A couple could apply for two $150 accommodation vouchers and two $50 experience vouchers.
Families could get one $150 accommodation voucher per adult, one $50 experience voucher per adult, and one $50 experience voucher per child (capped at three).
Premier Peter Gutwein said the vouchers had so far pumped more than $20 million into the visitor economy.
WHEN IS THE TRAVEL CUT-OFF?
The travel cut-off was Monday, November 30.
Any travel undertaken after this date will not be eligible to be claimed as part of the Make Yourself at Home scheme.
HOW LONG DO I HAVE TO SUBMIT MY CLAIM?
Claims must be submitted within 30 days of your first eligible travel activity.
Though travel can’t be undertaken in December, claims can still be made this month if it falls within the 30-day window.
WHAT HAPPENS IF I DIDN’T USE MY VOUCHER?
If you managed to nab a voucher but didn’t undertake any experiences or travel, you don’t need to do anything.
Premier and Tourism Minister Peter Gutwein said his intention for any outstanding funds was to provide additional support for the industry.
CAN I STILL GET THE MONEY?
No. If you didn’t undertake any eligible activities, you are not eligible for the funds.
HOW LONG AFTER SUBMITTING MY CLAIM DO I HAVE TO WAIT BEFORE I’M PAID?
Funds should be in your account within 14 days of a successful redemption.
If you haven’t received your payment, contact travelvouchers@stategrowth.tas.gov.au or 1800 344 077.
You cannot receive your payment as cash or a cheque.
“We hope that the October report is the last month that we will see figures this low,” he said.
“Our accommodation providers are still struggling to recover and I hope with the borders opening, warmer weather and the redemption of the tourism incentive vouchers, they see some significant growth in November.”
As of 9am Monday, Premier Peter Gutwein said 22,388 vouchers had been redeemed, claiming $5.75 million.
The cut-off for travel activities was November 30, claims needing to be made within 30 days of the first eligible activity.
Mr Gutwein thanked Tasmanians for supporting the visitor economy during such a tough time.
“I’d encourage everyone who is still to redeem their voucher to go online and do so,” he said.
“My message to Tasmanians is even though our borders are reopening, don’t forget what’s in our backyard and let’s continue to support our state during summer months.”
This comes as a popular holiday destination has resumed many routes out of Tasmania.
Jetstar is now resuming many of its Queensland routes and launching its new Hobart to Gold Coast flight on Tuesday.
The launch flights are nearly sold out, with the first flight departing the Gold Coast at 3pm and the return flight departing Hobart at 7.20pm.
Three return flights will operate weekly on an Airbus A320.
LAST DAYS: How to cash in your free travel vouchers
FUNDS leftover from the Make Yourself at Home travel voucher program will be redirected to help the tourism sector in other ways, the Premier says.
A budget estimates committee has heard less than half of the 40,000 vouchers have been redeemed with just over a month to go before the deadline to submit a claim.
The committee heard that at November 19, 17,203 vouchers had been submitted for payment.
Premier and Tourism Minister Peter Gutwein said the vouchers had pumped at least $20.29 million into the visitor economy so far.
“For each voucher dollar accounted for people are spending within the vicinity of $4,” Mr Gutwein said.
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“If there are outstanding funds it would be my intention … to provide additional support for the industry.”
“This money was set aside for the industry which will continue to be challenged in terms of restrictions.”
Opposition leader Rebecca White said the vouchers scheme should have been extended to cover food and beverages in support of the hospitality industry.
The $12.5 million worth of vouchers released in two rounds in September were snapped up within an hour each time.
The vouchers entitled Tasmanians to $100 for accommodation or $50 towards experiences, to support the local tourism industry during COVID-19 travel bans.
Voucher holders have until November 30 to take their trip, and 30 days from the date of travel to claim the refund.
Tasmanians told to ‘Eat It’ to support struggling sector
THE hospitality industry’s answer to the “Make Yourself At Home” campaign is encouraging as many restaurateurs as possible to jump onto the ultimate summer eating and experiences guide.
Dave Noonan and Erica Sheldon-Collins have spearheaded the Eat It Tassie government funded campaign to bring an extensive one stop shop for hospitality venues to locals and visitors hungry for cafe, dining and other experiences.
Mr Noonan hoped as many venues as possible would jump in on the project, which will harness a website, television, radio and print campaign, and a heavy social media presence.
“We’re celebrating our great Tasmanian food and producers, our great Tasmanian venues and what they have on in their venues over the summer,” he said.
“We can tell every Tasmanian and the visitors what is going on in all of Tassie’s regions.”
Free registrations are open for cafes, bars, restaurants and wineries to join the Eat It Tassie register for extra promotion.
“Hospitality has been very severely impacted and this is so important because hospitality venues have absorbed such a financial impact,” he said.
“They really need to have a big summer and get through this COVID pandemic to reach the other side.”
Businesses can sign up via eatittassie.com.au or email hello@eatittassie.com.au
To support the campaign or find some of your favourite eateries, visit the website, follow and tag @eatittassie on Facebook and Instagram and use the hashtags #EatItTassie #TassieLovesFood #TassieLovesWine
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