Thousands of bookings on the Spirit of Tasmania on the first day of free vehicle tickets are exciting for regional tourism operators and the potential for the scheme, an industry leader says.
TT Line reports 6000 bookings were made between 12am and 9.20am on Thursday.
"It is exciting to know that level of demand exists for Tasmania. We should look at what this means for opportunities in the future," West by North West CEO Tom Wootton said. "If it can provide this level of success hopefully we can consider its longevity beyond this period."
Last week, the federal government announced $6 million would be investment to expand the Bass Strait Passenger Vehicle Equalisation Scheme to allow a vehicle to travel for free from March 1.
The initiative will be available for travel to or from Tasmania until June 30 or until the funds run out.
Assistant Minister for Industry Development Jonno Duniam said it was encouraging travellers set their alarms for midnight to ensure they did not miss out on the free car trips.
"This is great news for tourism, and great news for Tasmania, and it's the kick start that tourism in Tasmania needed for 2021," he said.
TICT CEO Luke Martin said it was a "massive injection" given each passenger typically spends $2500.
"There are a lot of nervous operators and if they can start seeing this as a reason to be positive and hopefully bookings on the Spirit transfer into hotel bookings. We have always been confident this would work but given the uncertainty over borders that injection on the first day is fantastic."
Claudia Williams
Claudia Williams is a journalist for The Advocate covering general news and events. Get in touch at claudia.williams@theadvocate.com.au or on 0448 310 641
Claudia Williams is a journalist for The Advocate covering general news and events. Get in touch at claudia.williams@theadvocate.com.au or on 0448 310 641
