Premiers Report
Will Hodgman Premier of Tasmania
My Government knows that a strong and stable visitor economy is important to you and your business.
The latest visitor survey results show positive progress. While overall visitor numbers grew at a steady 2 per cent, total visitor expenditure increased by 7 per cent, and the average per night spend of visitors also increased by 7 per cent. In addition to this, we are working hard to ensure we have the right infrastructure, services and development in place to protect our enviable way of life.
There’s no question that growth should be sustainable, which is why – in partnership with industry – we have set clear targets for our tourism and hospitality industry, which will create more jobs, opportunities and investment.
In the past year Tasmania has seen steady and manageable growth in overall visitor numbers.
We are committed to getting the balance right.
This has been underpinned by significant growth in international visitor numbers, which saw a 20 per cent increase in the year ending March 2018, to 300,400. The United States of America and China are our two biggest source markets, and New Zealand was our largest growth market, with a 60 per cent increase in visitors. While we are certainly starting to see the benefits of a strong visitor economy, it is incorrect to suggest there is an issue with over- tourism. Now is not the time to take our foot off the pedal or to risk turning visitors away by pulling in the welcome mat. In fact, there are many places across Tasmania that have seen relatively limited growth in tourist numbers and we must work harder to ensure that even more people can benefit from our strong visitor economy. That’s why I have tasked the Premier’s Visitor Economy Advisory Council to develop a Yield and Dispersal Action Plan, which will encourage visitors to spend more time in regional areas. My Government, is focused not simply on growing the number of tourists coming to Tasmania, but also on increasing the amount they spend and their overall length of stay.
We know that hospitality businesses will play an important role in encouraging visitors to spend more time in regional areas.
In many smaller towns the local pub or café is the hub of a community and they provide highly valued products and experiences to both locals and visitors.
We certainly recognise the passion and commitment that you put into these businesses.
Whether it’s locally sourced produce or a good yarn, it’s these sorts of truly unique Tasmanian experiences that visitors enjoy most.
My Government is unashamedly proud of the support we provide to the hospitality industry and to the THA.
The funding we provide means business like yours have opportunity to tap into practical support and services, like the Great Customer Experience program. We will continue to work hard to champion Tasmania’s hospitality industry and to provide the right social and economic environment for your business to thrive.
Will Hodgman
August 2018 www.tha.asn.au
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