Guy Barnett,Minister for Tourism, Hospitality and Events
The Tasmanian Liberal Government is putting the spotlight on King Island’s many tourism opportunities by introducing several travel initiatives to encourage visitation to the island.
We know that because of COVID-19, King Island has experienced a significant decline in visitors during what would normally be its busiest period of the year.
To accelerate visitation back to the island we are implementing several initiatives that are expected to generate significant support and business for the island’s tourism operators and the economy in general.
A Travel Incentive scheme providing $300 towards the cost of accommodation and tourism experiences on the island undertaken between May 1 and July 31 2022, will be made available to 700 bookings.
The program will launch to consumers in early April.
Details of the scheme and where to book will be available on in the very near future.
Sharp Airlines will also be introducing a Red Hot Winter return fare of $300 per person between Hobart and King Island for a limited number of seats on its three weekly services.
This is possible through the Government’s underwriting agreement and will encourage Hobartians to travel to the Island to experience its truly unique character.
This special winter limited fare offer will go on sale on Monday 14 February for flights from Hobart to King Island from 1st May through until end of July 2022.
Earlier this week, our Government announced the extension of its underwriting agreement for the continuation of Sharp Airline flights between both Hobart and King Island and Hobart and Flinders Island.
Sharp also operates regular flights between Launceston and the Island, so the travel incentive will be attractive to people living in the north of the State as well.
Fares from Melbourne to the Island are traditionally good value during the winter months.
To support these initiatives Tourism Tasmania is preparing a $100,000 promotional campaign in partnership with local industry and the Council.
Final details are being worked through, however there is a great opportunity for this activity to leverage Tourism Tasmania’s upcoming $5.32 million Off Season campaign that will be running nationally from Easter.
The timing and content for this acitivity was agreed after consultation with the local industry, West X North West Regional Tourism and the King Island Council. I also want to acknowledge the positive input and advocacy provided by Councillor Julie Arnold, the Mayor of King Island.
Finally, Business Tasmania will be sending officers within the next fortnight to the island to meet with individual tourism and hospitality businesses that were severely impacted by the downturn in visitation, to explore ways that further support may be provided.
