International visitor numbers surge to record for Tasmania

INTERNATIONAL visitors to Tasmania have surged by 18 per cent in the past year, outstripping the rest of the nation and continuing a trend of growth.

HOTSPOT: 105,000 international visitors took in the spectacular sights of the Tasman Peninsula. Picture: NATALIE MEDHAM

INTERNATIONAL visitors to Tasmania have surged by 18 per cent in the past year, outstripping the rest of the nation and continuing a trend of growth.

The growth brings with it a multimillion-dollar boost to the state’s economy, with international visitors spending $497 million in Tasmania last year — an increase of 32 per cent, or $119 million, on the previous year.

The 18 per cent increase in international visitors outpaces the ACT’s 17 per cent rise, Victoria’s 8 per cent and South Australia and New South Wales’ 7 per cent.

The 32 per cent increase in international visitor spending was also significantly more than in all other states and territories.

IN FIGURES INTERNATIONAL VISITORS TO TASMANIA (year ending December 2017) 279,000 visitors, +18% $497 million spend, + 32% WHERE THEY WENT Hobart and South: 244,000 Launceston: 110,000 North-West: 70,000 Tasman Peninsula: 105,000 Cradle Mountain: 102,000 Freycinet National Park: 84,000 Bruny Island: 52,000 Note: Regional visitor numbers will not add up to Tasmanian visitor numbers because some people visit more than one destination.

The ACT was closest with a 23 per cent increase, ahead of an 18 per cent increase in South Australia.

Over the past five years international visitors to Tasmania have increased by 99 per cent, and their expenditure by 104 per cent.

Tourism Industry Council Tasmania chief executive Luke Martin said international visitors made up only about 13 per cent of all visitors to Tasmania, but that section of the state’s tourism market was growing rapidly.

“The growth is higher in Tasmania than across the rest of the country, which is remarkable when you consider we don’t have international flights,” Mr Martin said.

“We’re stealing market share off other destinations, albeit off a very low base, but nevertheless it shows the strength of Tasmania’s brand at the moment.”

Federal Trade, Tourism and Investment Minister Steve Ciobo said the record run was great for Tasmania.

“The more tourists that visit, and the more they spend, the better for the Tasmanian economy and jobs,” he said.

Ben Bodart and Amandine Depas, of Belgium, at the Maingon Bay Lookout near the Remarkable Cave. Picture: NIKKI DAVIS-JONES

Belgian tourists Ben Bodart and Amandine Depas visited Tasmania in January.

They visited some of the state’s most famous spots, including Freycinet National Park, Port Arthur and Cradle Mountain, but said the trip was not long enough.

“In 13 days we did the best that we could, but obviously seven days more would have been brilliant,” he said.

The pair are on a working holiday to Australia and are hoping to come back to Tasmania again soon.

“If our parents come to Australia something that would be nice to do is Tassie, because there is a lot to do and the travelling is not that far from the mainland,” Mr Bodart said.