The Tasmanian Hospitality Association’s ‘Hotel Occupancy Report’ for March shows 89.11 per cent of rooms were filled, marking the first time any month outside February has ever broken the 89 per cent threshold. This also represents an increase of 2.38 per cent from the corresponding month last year.
The milestone caps off a booming period for the hospitality sector, with impressive performance across all areas. In particular, the north clocked in at a record 91.87 per cent occupancy – the highest March on record for the region – while southern Tasmania’s figure of 90.94 per cent was its strongest result since 2019.
It comes after the north-west cracked the 90 per cent occupancy barrier for a single month (90.25 per cent) in February.
THA chief executive Steve Old said the results were a resounding vote of confidence in the state’s visitor appeal and the strength of hospitality operators.
“These record-breaking occupancy rates show Tasmania continues to be a must-visit destination, even outside our traditional peak months,” Old said.
“To see both our two major regions of the state pushing past 90 per cent is not just encouraging, it’s historic. Our industry has worked incredibly hard to deliver exceptional experiences, and the results speak for themselves.
“This proves that strategic investment in regional events, destination marketing, and infrastructure is paying off. Additionally, Hobart led the nation’s capitals for March occupancy, reinforcing our capital as a key tourism drawcard.”
Major events such as the Australian Rowing Championships, the Devonport Triathlon, a big turnout for Hawthorn’s first AFL match for the year in Launceston (14,021), the east coast’s ECHO Festival and Ten Days on the Island have all aided to the robust figures.
The numbers clearly demonstrate that a new AFL stadium in Hobart is not required to drive visitation to Tasmania
All regions had increases on occupancy from 12 months ago, with the south figure up 1.8 per cent, the north 1.74 per cent, the east coast (80.40 per cent) up 2.11 per cent and the north-west figure of 85.28 per cent a strong improvement of 5.15 per cent from March 2024.
Alongside the surge in occupancy, the latest data also show increases in key financial performance indicators, with the average statewide room rate ($240.43) up nearly $5 from March 2024 and the average yield ($214.24) an increase of just under $10.
“These stronger room rates and yields show that not only are we filling more rooms, but our venues are delivering better value and economic return for the state,” Old said.
