The ‘Eat Local, Stay Local’ program, a Liberal government initiative, was initially announced to distribute 100,000 vouchers, each worth $100, to local residents to stimulate the state’s tourism and hospitality sectors during the quiet winter period.
The program was put on hold after the state entered a caretaker mode due to the State Election on July 19, 2025.
After the election, the new Liberal government has confirmed the program would proceed, albeit on a reduced scale due to a need for “budget repair.” It will now provide nearly 60,000 vouchers, each valued at $100, and recipients will have until November 30, 2025, to redeem them. The scheme, which has been praised by the Tasmanian Hospitality Association, is expected to inject economic activity, support local businesses, and help sustain employment.
Media release – Jane Howlett, Minister for Tourism, Hospitality and Events, 31 August 2025
Eat Local Stay Local scheme to boost local businesses and support families
Thousands of Tasmanian families will be able to eat out and experience the very best of Tasmania with the return of the Eat Local Stay Local voucher scheme.
Minister for Tourism, Hospitality and Events, Jane Howlett, said the scheme will give Tasmania’s tourism and hospitality industry a valuable boost while also helping with the cost of going out for families.
“The Eat Local Stay Local initiative was announced by the Tasmanian Government in May, with the aim of stimulating the tourism and hospitality sector by helping people get away for a short break or out for a nice meal,” Howlett said.
“While the scheme originally allocated $10 million for 100,000 vouchers to be spent at Tasmanian businesses, this has been scaled back to reflect the need for budget repair, while still continuing to provide an important stimulus for the local visitor economy.
“The scheme will now see nearly 60,000 vouchers, valued at $100 each, issued to Tasmanians to be redeemed on eligible accommodation, hospitality and visitor experiences.
“This means successful Tasmanians will be able to enjoy a special dining experience, or a short getaway, and we will cover part of the costs.
“The Eat Local Stay Local campaign is also about stimulating the visitor economy at a time that is usually quieter in Tasmania.”
The successful recipients will be notified by email in the coming week and vouchers must be used by 30 November 2025.
Minister Howlett said previous voucher schemes had generated more economic activity in small businesses and regional communities.
“For every dollar spent in the state’s tourism and hospitality sector, another 83 cents is generated in Tasmania’s economy.
Eat Local Stay Local also complements other visitor economy initiatives like the Tasmanian Government’s Spirit of Tasmania Free Car Fare initiative, which is aimed at bringing more interstate visitors into Tasmania to stay longer and spend more.
The Tasmanian Government is delivering for Tasmanians and working together to move our state forward.
Media release – Hospitality Tasmania, 31 August 2025
Continuation of voucher scheme welcomed by hospitality businesses
Hospitality Tasmania has welcomed the State Government’s announcement that the Eat Local Stay Local voucher scheme will proceed, providing a much-needed boost for hospitality and tourism operators as the state emerges from winter.
Hospitality Tasmania Chief Executive Steve Old said similar schemes had proven successful in previous years and would again deliver benefits for both businesses and local families.
“We are delighted the Eat Local Stay Local initiative is going ahead. These vouchers have a real impact, encouraging Tasmanians to get out and enjoy a meal, a night away, or an experience they might otherwise put off,” Old said.
“The injection of activity into our industry is incredibly valuable, particularly at a time when many operators are managing higher costs and softer trading conditions.”
Old also acknowledged the government’s fiscal position.
“We understand the need to balance the budget, and while the scheme has been scaled back, it is pleasing to see it retained. Even at this level, it will make a meaningful difference to hospitality and tourism businesses right across the state.”
Salamanca Inn Manager Phil Fuglsang said the announcement would provide a timely lift for venues.
“This is great news for the sector and for the thousands of Tasmanians who will take advantage of the scheme. Every voucher redeemed is business in the till, staff hours secured, and a stronger outlook for operators as we head towards summer,” Fuglsang said.
“Schemes like Eat Local Stay Local not only support individual venues, but they also help to create a positive flow-on effect throughout our supply chain, from local producers to transport providers.”
Old said initiatives like this reinforced the importance of hospitality to the Tasmanian economy.
“Our industry is one of the largest employers in the state and a major driver of regional economies. Support like this is a welcome recognition of that contribution.”
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