Tasmania Report: State now has more international visitors per capita than Queensland, forum told

UPDATED: The most recent international tourism survey results show Tasmania now has more international visitors per capita than Queensland.

Cruise ships The Ovation Of The Seas (left) and the MS Noordam docked in Hobart together.

THE fact Tasmania now has more international visitors per capita than Queensland is testament to the strength of the state’s brand, the tourism industry council’s boss says.

The statistic was highlighted today when the Tasmania Report was launched with a breakfast event at the Hotel Grand Chancellor.

The most recent international tourism survey results confirms that in the year to June this year, Tasmania welcomed 300,000 international tourists.

This represented about 57 per cent of the state’s current population.

In comparison, Queensland had 2.75 million international visitors, equating to 55 per cent of its population.

Tourism Industry Council Tasmania chief executive Luke Martin said it showed the lure of Tasmania’s brand was working.

“We’re the fastest growing international visitors destination in Australia and the only state that doesn’t have international flights,” he said.

“It’s an extraordinary testament to the market choosing to come to Tasmania over other states.”

TICT's Luke Martin speaks about how tourism and tourists have been affected by the bushfires. Picture: LUKE BOWDEN

International flights into the state have been flagged under the Hobart City Deal but Mr Martin noted that Tasmania was already outperforming other states without them.

International tourists Jordan and Paula Williams said they would recommend Tasmania to their family and friends in the UK.

The family, including one-year-old daughter Grace, visited Freycinet for a family wedding and spent four nights in the state.

It was the first time in Tasmania for the family, who hail from Worcestershire, 2½ hours northwest of London.

“This was a treat, really, coming to Tasmania,” Mr Williams said.

“It’s beautiful, so clean, tidy and the people are really nice and polite. It’s great.

“Bit like home as well, the temperature, the climate.”

English tourists Paula and Jordan Williams with 1-year-old daughter Grace enjoy Hobart. Picture: ZAK SIMMONDS

The Tasmania Report, initiated by the Tasmanian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, found a strong tourism industry was crucial to the state’s economic success.

The report said total visitor spending reached $2.5 billion in the year ending June this year. Among other findings, the report outlined a need to better fund preventive measures in health, a requirement to attract younger and skilled people, and improve education outcomes.

Treasurer Peter Gutwein hailed the success of a strong economy, saying the report confirmed the Government’s plan to grow the economy, create jobs and maintain business confidence was working.

But Labor’s treasury spokesman David O’Byrne said the report showed Tasmania was trailing the country on many key indicators, including in health and housing affordability.

Greens leader Cassy O’Connor said inequality is increasing and the gap between rich and poor is widening.