Tasmanian budget continues strong investment in visitor economy

The Tourism & Transport Forum Australia (TTF) has welcomed the Tasmanian Government’s strong investment in the visitor economy in the state’s 2015-16 Budget.

TTF CEO Margy Osmond said the Budget includes a new $3 million injection of funds for Tourism Tasmania, plus new funding for parks infrastructure, cultural tourism, business events and Regional Tourism Organisations.

“Tourism is one of Tasmania’s competitive strengths and it’s fantastic to see the Hodgman Government continuing to invest in the industry’s future,” Ms Osmond said.

“This budget builds on last year’s boost to tourism funding. Since the Hodgman Government was elected, there has been an additional $15 million allocated to Tourism Tasmania.

“This investment is already paying dividends, with the state last year breaking the billion-dollar spend by holiday makers.

“The Tasmanian Government has set an ambitious aim of growing the state’s tourism industry to 1.5 million visitors per year by 2020 and it’s great to see funding delivered to support this goal.

“Tasmania is one of Australia’s most tourist-dependent states, with one in 16 people employed in the industry.

“This Budget demonstrates the value of Tasmania’s visitor economy and the state government’s commitment to growing this vital industry,” she said.