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Tourism

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Overview of the Tasmanian Tourism Industry

Tasmania is an island state located 240km off the southeast corner of mainland Australia. Encircled by the Southern Ocean, Tasman Sea and Bass Strait, Tasmania is said to have the world's cleanest air, purest water and fertile soils. Tahune Airwalk

Tasmania is noted for its natural beauty and contrasts, dramatic coastlines, rugged mountains, tall forests and sparkling highland lakes. More than 40% of the state is reserved in a network of National Parks and the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area, a refuge for rare plants and animals.

Tasmania's economy continues to benefit from a strong tourism industry buoyed by record visitor numbers and visitor expenditure. The Tasmanian Visitor Survey results showed a record 812,200 people visited the state in the 12 months ending March 2007.

A key contributor to Tasmania's record tourism growth is the vastly improved access to the state and keen competition between transport carriers. Of the 812,200 people who visited the state in the 12 months ending March 2007, 684,200 were visitors on scheduled air services and 128,000 came by scheduled sea transport.

Total visitor spending increased by 13% in the year ending March 2007 to $1.301 billion, with benefits, including increased employment, flowing to all regions of the State. An estimated 40,000 Tasmanians are directly or indirectly employed in the tourism sector.

Industry optimism is also reflected in the level of new tourism infrastructure developments under consideration or construction. As at June 2006 tourism infrastructure under construction or serious consideration was estimated to be some $420 million, with a further $186 million at feasibility or concept stage. These developments are detailed on the tourism map.

Tourism's Contribution to the State's Economy

Tasmania's visitors generate approximately $1.301 billion in expenditure annually.

Visitor expenditure in Tasmania comprises:

  • Australian visitors spent $1.117 billion, an increase of 14% (Tasmanian Visitors Survey: March 2007); and
  • International visitors spent $183.5 million, an increase of 12% (Tasmanian Visitors Survey: March 2007).

For further information go to the Tasmanian Visitors Survey.

Direction of Tasmanian Tourism

While tourism to Tasmania continues to grow annually, the spectacular rate of growth experienced in recent years is softening. Altered travel patterns, increased competition and rapid technological change are creating a new environment for the Tasmanian tourism industry.

In response to the increased availability of low-cost airfares, Tasmania's visitors are taking shorter and more frequent trips, and increasing numbers are coming here to visit friends and relatives.

Investment, particularly in higher standard tourism facilities and services, and the number and value of projects planned and already underway, suggest increased optimism for the future.