TTF key ask: maintain funding for Tourism Tasmania

Devonport

Funding for Tourism Tasmania must be maintained over the forward estimates period to ensure Tasmania remains a destination of choice for domestic and international visitors.

The latest Tourism & Transport Forum research finds that the percentage of tourism-related jobs in Tasmania (7.2 per cent) is 50 per cent higher than the national average (4.8 per cent) and the highest of any Australian state.

The number of jobs created per 1000 visits (4.4) is the second highest after the Northern Territory and the number of sector employees per $1 million spent by visitors is by far the highest nationwide (10.2).

The report also finds that Tasmania experienced 300 per cent growth in investment in the accommodation, arts and recreation sectors between 2012 and 2015 – driven by the opening of MONA – but this momentum must be maintained.

Another TTF report, Unlocking Our Great Outdoors, reveals the critical importance of nature-based tourism to Tasmania’s future.

The state hosted 8.4 million visitors to its national landscape areas in 2016 – up from 6.6 million in 2005 – drawing $3 billion in visitor spending and funding a total of 21,683 jobs.

All of these figures are set to grow in the years to come, but the stewardship of Tourism Tasmania is vital to ensure that the Apple Isle reaches its full potential in the future.