Media release – Peter Gutwein, Premier, 24 July 2021
It’s time to make yourself at Home again
Recent border closures designed to keep Tasmanians safe have again significantly impacted our tourism and hospitality sectors, especially with visitors from key markets including Victoria, New South Wales, and South Australia restricted from travelling to our state.
That’s why the Tasmanian Government will introduce a fresh round of our hugely successful voucher incentive scheme to encourage Tasmanians to support local businesses and experience their home state, during the quieter months.
Our tourism and hospitality industry has been one of the hardest hit during the COVID-19 pandemic and we are taking action to support the sector through this difficult time.
We will fund a $7.5 million voucher scheme for Tasmanians enticing them to holiday at home, book into local accommodation, and take part in local experiences right across the state.
The application process for this round of vouchers will be slightly different to the previous rounds, with Tasmanians able to pre-register for a lottery type system. Tasmanians will be able to express their interest the week after next when the scheme is opened, with the vouchers redeemable for travel up until the 24 of September – the start of the school holiday period.
Following more consultation with industry next week, detailed guidelines and entry requirements will be worked through and finalised shortly, including the voucher amounts, but we expect them to be as successful as our last round, providing vital support for the industry at a challenging time.
The hospitality industry will also benefit from Tasmanians travelling around the state, eating out, visiting cafes and local bars.
An estimated $27.5 million in additional spending is estimated to have been generated across the state through last year’s scheme, supporting countless small businesses and families across the state through what was a very difficult time.
With another round of vouchers on offer, I again encourage all Tasmanians to snap them up, get out and about, and experience all our state has to offer while supporting businesses, families, and communities in all areas of Tasmania.
We’ll provide another update to Tasmanians about how to register in the coming week.
Media release – Tasmanian Small Business Council (TSBC), 24 July 2021
Small Business Welcomes Stay at Home Campaign
The Tasmanian Small Business Council (TSBC) has welcomed the announcement of a fresh round of the Tasmania stay at home voucher scheme as well as improvements to its delivery.
TSBC Chief Executive Officer, Robert Mallett said with the impact of interstate lockdowns starting to feel the pinch on small business the $7.5 million fund could not come a day too soon.
“It is heartening to see that the Government has responded so quickly to the latest round of lock-downs and I would encourage all Tasmanians to take the opportunity to have a holiday at home,” Mr Mallett said.
“Improvements in the voucher system are also welcome, meaning those that want to participate, can. We must not have the situation where only a fraction of the vouchers are redeemed denying those who are not quite so quick on the key board the opportunity to holiday in Tasmania’s winter wonderland,” Mr Mallett said.
In welcoming the opportunity, Mr Mallett said he was looking forward to further discussions with Government to see how assistance could be provided to small business impacted by the lockdowns but not in the tourism and hospitality sector.
