Premier Rockliff throws Tasmanian tourism operators a lifeline as ferry report D-Day arrives

The government has moved to quell tourism concerns over the Bass Strait ferries debacle, establishing a $6m program to subsidise fares, and resurrecting the travel voucher scheme.

The Tasmanian government has moved to quell growing concern from the state’s tourism industry over the Bass Strait ferries debacle, establishing a $6m program to subsidise passenger fares, and resurrecting its Covid-era travel voucher scheme for Tasmanians.

Premier and Minister for Tourism Jeremy Rockliff said his government would also establish a $5m Spirit Preparedness Fund to develop new products and enhance existing attractions, and provide the $5m Aviation Fund with $500,000 top-up to support new routes and increase frequency on existing air routes into the state.

As the government prepares to publicly release the expert report it commissioned into the stalled Devonport berth upgrades – which are required to accommodate the two new vessels – Mr Rockliff said he recognised the impact the Spirits’ operational delay was having on the tourism and hospitality sector.

Spirit of Tasmanian IV first sea trial. Picture: Spirit of Tasmania

While the first new Spirit of Tasmania vessel is due to arrive in Tasmania later this year, and the second in early 2025, the ferries are expected to run at greatly reduced capacity for at least their first 12 months because the new berth won’t be ready in time.

After repeatedly pledging to support the state’s tourism industry through the challenges posed by the ferries fiasco, Mr Rockliff said his government package was designed to drive visitation to Tasmania across peak and off-season periods.

“Our government is backing our tourism and hospitality industry – to ensure they continue to thrive, despite the challenges it faces,” the Premier said.

“Our package we are announcing today will benefit Tasmanians directly, but also sends a message to the rest of the country and world that Tasmania is the place to visit.”

As well as boosting the state’s Aviation Fund, the government will work with airports to develop air and car hire packages to encourage visitors to get out and enjoy Tasmania’s regions.

Hobart, Tuesday 15th October 2024. Premier Jeremy Rockliff at the Hobart Waterfront. Picture: Linda Higginson

Premier Rockliff also announced a return of the popular travel voucher scheme for Tasmanians.

“Recognising that times are tough for a lot of people, travel and discretionary spending is often the first thing to go,” the Premier said.

“To support our tourism and hospitality sector, we will launch a new voucher scheme, Eat Local, Stay Local, to encourage Tasmanians to travel and eat out.

“We will provide 100,000 vouchers, valued at $100 each.

“This will assist with making Tasmanian lives more affordable.

“To complement this voucher scheme, Tourism Tasmania will lead an intrastate marketing campaign to showcase what’s on offer and encourage more Tasmanians to enjoy what our state has to offer.”

The government also announced it would establish a $5m Events Tasmania Attraction Fund to help secure more events and business events for the state.

Infrastructure experts Ben Moloney and Peter Gemell, who were appointed by the government to oversee the Devonport upgrade project in August, delivered a report on the berth facility to the Premier last Friday.

Premier Rockliff, who said he needed time to consider the report, committed to making a public response to its findings on Thursday.