Tasmanian Hospitality Association Hotel Occupancy Report: Roaring trade for accommodation sector in February

Tasmania’s accommodation sector is doing a roaring trade, with hotel operators seeing near record highs for bookings in February, according to a new report.

The Tasman Hotel in Parliament Square. Picture: Supplied

Tasmania’s accommodation sector enjoyed a bumper February, logging the second highest occupancy rate on record for a single month, according to new figures from the state’s peak hospitality body.

And the soaring demand is expected to continue over the Easter period, Tasmanian Hospitality Association (THA) chief executive Steve Old said.

The THA’s Hotel Occupancy Report for February – traditionally a peak month for tourism – showed that 89.71 per cent of available rooms across Tasmania were filled, trailing only the record high of 90.43 per cent occupancy in February 2016.

Across the summer quarter, hotels observed an 84.36 per cent occupancy rate overall, an increase of almost 2 per cent on last summer and the third highest recorded occupancy figure ever, behind the 2015-16 and 2016-17 summer periods.

CEO of the Tasmnaian Hospitality Association, Steve Old. Picture: Zak Simmonds

Operators in the North of the state saw a roaring trade, in particular, hitting a high of 92.45 per cent occupancy in February, while the North-West saw 88.17 per cent of its rooms booked out.

Hotels in the South logged 90 per cent occupancy for the first time since 2018 and rooms on the East Coast were 82.98 per cent booked.

As the cost of living continues to bite, the median room rate was $234.68 in February, which was an increase of $9 on 12 months ago. The average yield, meanwhile, was $210.54 – also an increase of $9.

Mr Old said the latest occupancy numbers showed that Tasmania’s accommodation sector was strong and resilient and had managed to weather the pandemic storm.

Peppers Silo Hotel in Launceston. Picture: supplied

“This achievement is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our hospitality sector, as well as the enduring appeal of Tasmania as a must-visit destination,” he said.

“The findings are indicative of Tasmania’s growing prominence on the global stage, drawing visitors from far and wide to experience our breathtaking landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and world-class hospitality.”

Mr Old said hotel operators had told him the Easter holiday period was looking “strong” for them in terms of bookings.

“From talking to some operators, I think they’re hoping for a busy Easter period, especially because Easter is at the end of March this year and it works in a bit better with daylight savings still being here and the better weather,” he said.

“We’re hoping for a really strong Easter period.”