A new record in the number of tourists visiting Tasmania has brought a billion dollar boom in holiday-makers’ spending.
For the first time tourists holidaying in Tasmania spent $1 billion in our state in the 12 months to December, a massive 19 per cent increase on 2013.
A record 1,068,100 travellers have come to see for themselves what is now rated as one of the ‘must see’ destinations on the planet.
It’s expected to rise even further with the industry reporting a large increase in the number of visitors from China following the visit last year from the Chinese President.
Importantly, all regions of the state have experienced growth in tourists.
The increasing number of visitors traveling by sea, which rose by three per cent over the year, will soon have an even more pleasant experience on our refurbished Spirits of Tasmania.
The number of visitors from interstate was up by two per cent for the year, with Queensland again a standout market, up by 13 per cent.
This continues to prove our decision to capitalise on the potential for growth in visitors from the sunshine state, by expanding Tourism Tasmania’s Go Behind the Scenery campaign into Brisbane, is paying dividends.
The fifth instalment of this successful campaign will see Tourism Tasmania team with air and travel partners throughout Autumn in innovative ways.
We are seeing the results of our increased investment in marketing, enabling Tourism Tasmania to better promote our state and increase visitation, which will create new jobs in this important industry.
Information on the latest Tasmanian Tourism Snapshot can be found at http://www.tourismtasmania.com.au/research/visitors
Will Hodgman, Premier Minister for Tourism, Hospitality and Events
