Hobart Accommodation Opportunity

A record 1.06 million tourists travelled to Tasmania in the 12 months to March and we are keen to build on this encouraging trend.

Our Government has set the target of attracting 1.5 million visitors to our state every year by 2020, which the industry says will create 8,000 new jobs.

It is clear Tasmania’s reputation as a must-see destination is growing, and we must grow with it.

A study by the BDA Marketing Planning found the demand for accommodation in Hobart is so great that it could drive $120 million in additional visitor spending.

The report, Commissioned by Tourism Tasmania and Invest Tasmania found the average occupancy rate for accommodation in Hobart is around 77 per cent.

In the peak months between October and March that rate increases to more than 80 per cent.

The report predicts that if Hobart’s popularity continues to grow at the rate it has since 2007, an additional 1,200 additional rooms would be required in Hobart to meet the demand in 2020.

This report highlights a huge opportunity for developers and investors and the hospitality and tourism sectors.

Invest Tasmania and Tourism Tasmania will use this report to target investors at meetings, seminars and when hosting delegations.

Already this government is helping to address the bed-squeeze in Hobart, with our headworks holiday and red and green tape reduction encouraging significant investment in tourism and hospitality.

The Vos and the Federal Group said these measures made their $35 million investment in the Macquarie 1 Shed development more viable.

It will create up to 100 jobs in the 12-month construction phase, and a further 80 ongoing jobs are expected once the 113-room hotel, restaurants and retailers open from late 2015.

We’re committed to building on our competitive strengths, especially tourism, to drive the economy and create jobs.
Will Hodgman, Premier Minister for Tourism, Hospitality and Events