TTF Business Count and Employment Atlas snapshot: Braddon

When the Spirit of Tasmania completes its journey south from Melbourne, Devonport is the first experience many visitors have of the Apple Isle – and so the electorate of Braddon must be a key consideration for the next Tasmanian government when formulating their tourism strategy.

Taking in Burnie, Wynyard, Ulverstone, Penguin and Smithton, as well as the West Coast towns of Strahan, Zeehan and Queenstown – plus the legendary King Island – Braddon offers visitors a smorgasbord of natural delights and authentic rural experiences.

Visitors will typically start with a ride along the scenic Don River Railway to Coles Beach or a visit to the Bass Strait Maritime Centre.

The more adventurous will follow the Cradle to Coast Tasting Trail, or challenge themselves at the Tarkine.

Wherever they go, tourists will be served by a hospitality industry that is vital to the region’s economy.

The Tourism & Transport Forum Business Count and Employment Atlas finds that the sector employs 7.6 per cent of the electorate – far above the national average of 4.8 per cent – and one in five businesses are in the tourism business.

For more information on the impact of tourism on Braddon and the rest of Tasmania, click here – and remember the importance of tourism to the state’s future when casting your vote on Saturday.