- Western Australian, South Australian and Queensland residents can receive $300 to visit Tasmania in November and December, in a bid to boost tourism in the island state
- There will be 10,000 vouchers offered, which can be spent on accommodation and tours
- The NSW and Victorian lockdowns have significantly impacted Tasmania as those states count for up to 70 per cent of Tassie’s visitors
- The voucher scheme is being funded through the Morrison Government’s $50 million recovery for regional tourism program
The Morrison Government is offering Australians $300 to visit Tasmania in the lead up to Christmas.
West Australians, South Australians and Queenslanders will be able to receive their vouchers if they travel to the state in November and December.
The $3 million holiday voucher scheme will fund vouchers, which will allow $200 of each voucher to be spent on accommodation and the remaining $100 on tours.
However only 10,000 vouchers will be available, meaning potential tourists will have to apply early to secure one.
Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment Dan Tehan said the initiative was intended to boost Tasmania’s tourism sector.
A recent Tourism Australia Travel Sentiment Tracker recorded that 59 per cent of Australians want to take a holiday in the next six months.
“Pent-up demand combined with this innovative voucher program represents a fantastic opportunity for Tasmanian tourism to welcome back visitors and give local businesses and the economy a much-needed boost,” Mr Tehan said.
“Australians want to travel again so they can visit family and friends and take a holiday in places like Tasmania. All Australians can help to make that a reality by getting vaccinated so we can reach our 80 per cent vaccination targets to trigger the resumption of travel.”
The voucher scheme is being funded through the Morrison Government’s $50 million recovery for regional tourism program, which is part of the $1 billion COVID-19 relief and recovery fund.
Senator for Tasmania Jonathon Duniam said this was a great initiative for Tourism Tasmania.
“Australians are keen to get travelling again and Tasmania is open for business,” Senator Duniam said.
“There has never been a better time to come down to Tassie, visit some of our incredible natural wonders and taste some of our fabulous food, wine and whisky.”
Tourism Tasmania CEO John Fitzgerald said the COVID-19 outbreaks in Victoria and NSW had significantly impacted Tasmanian tourism businesses.
“These markets provide around 70 per cent of all visitors to the state,” Mr Fitzgerald said.
“This program will provide much-needed support for the Tasmanian industry in a crucial period.”