Media release – Tasmanian Hospitality Association, 4 March 2024
Tasmanian accommodation providers start new year with a bang
Tasmania’s accommodation sector has kicked off 2024 in strong fashion, posting a new post-Covid January high in booked rooms across the state.
The Tasmanian Hospitality Association’s ‘Hotel Occupancy Report’ for January shows 85.56 per cent of available rooms across Tasmania were filled, up 2.6 per cent on the figure from 12 months ago.
It is the fourth highest January on record, underlining the state’s enduring appeal as a premier tourist destination during the peak summer period.
“We are thrilled to see such strong occupancy rates in January, reaffirming Tasmania’s position as a must-visit destination,” THA chief executive Steve Old said.
“No doubt the Taste of Summer, which extended into a second weekend this year, had an impact on drawing more people to the south, coupled with the array of activities and festivals on offer.
“These figures reflect not only the enduring appeal of our state but also the hard work and dedication of our hospitality industry in providing exceptional experiences for visitors.
“They also highlight the resilience of our wider industry, overcoming challenges and uncertainties to deliver outstanding results.”
Following a record-breaking January in 2023 which saw 88.45 per cent of rooms booked, the north backed up this year with a figure of 87.33 per cent. This was almost identical to southern figures (87.34 per cent), the north-west (79.53 per cent) saw an improvement of 1.3 per cent on the corresponding January 12 months ago while the east coast showcased its popularity with 82.97 per cent occupancy.
The median room rate to start the new year was $246.66 (an increase of $18), while an all-time high average yield ($211.04) was set, eclipsing the $201.21 mark from February last year.
