Australians travel to Tassie to escape COVID-19 on the mainland

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TASMANIA has been labelled a holiday destination for interstate Australians to escape the pandemic, as intrastate tourism ramps up.

With international borders firmly shut, tourism bodies have encouraged Australians to ‘holiday at home’ this summer and a number of operators have been quick to offer experiences to punters.

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Launched Monday by international tourism company Insight Vacations, Tasmania’s Food, Wine & Whiskey Itinerary saw a group of travellers embark on a six-night statewide tour where they will visit key travel destinations including Bruny Island and Coles Bay for a week of wining and dining.

Insight Vacations chief executive Ulla Hefel Böhler said the company was “thrilled” to provide Australian guests the opportunity to experience holiday experiences “a little closer to home”.

Destination Southern Tasmania chief executive Alex Heroys said there was “very strong demand for Tasmania” — a jurisdiction which has not seen a case of coronavirus community transmission in more than 140 days.

Cruise Ship Industry Briefing. DST CEO Alex Heroys. Picture: RICHARD JUPE

“We are almost on the top of the list of destinations where people can get away from modern life, including the present COVID-19 pandemic,” he said.

“But there is no doubt that the ongoing uncertainty around borders is impacting tourism businesses, which makes it even more important – and even more attractive – for Tasmanians to explore their own state.”

While noting expected tourism industry “ups and downs”, Mr Heroys said Tasmania, and Australia more broadly, were “in a far better place than many other places in the world”.

Events Minister Sarah Courtney has said festive season celebrations needed to be approached with vigilance.

“Tasmanians have so far done a good job keeping on top of COVID, however it’s important that we don’t become complacent especially over the summer period when we’re out and about more,” she said.