Will Hodgman: Record number of International Visitors to Tasmania

The latest visitor survey statistics indicates that we are well on the way to achieving the Liberal Government’s goal of 1.5 million visitors pa to Tasmania by 2020, which the industry tells us represents the creation of up to 8000 new jobs.

According to Tourism Research Australia figures released today, around 159 300 international visitors came to Tasmania in 2013, which was 14 per cent more than the previous year, and a new record high.

While the growth in numbers from major markets like the USA and New Zealand was higher than national figures, there was also strong growth from our Asian markets.

The latest figures showed that when compared with 2012, the total number of visitors to Tasmania in 2013 had increased – from China (up 24 percent), Hong Kong (up 27 percent), Singapore (up 85 percent), Japan (up 60 percent) and Malaysia (up 33 percent).

The Liberal Government understands the significance of Asian markets to Tasmania’s economic prosperity which is why I joined the Prime Minister on his recent Asian trade mission.

It is also why Tourism Tasmania is currently planning a Greater China sales mission in September with local ‘Asia-ready’ tourism operators, to establish new relationships, build on existing relationships, increase awareness of Tasmania as a travel destination, and secure more business from key Asian markets.

Information on the latest Tasmanian Tourism Snapshot, which includes updated International Visitor Survey figures, can be found at http://www.tourismtasmania.com.au/research/visitors
Will Hodgman, Premier, Minister for Tourism, Hospitality and Events